Tri-State Rising Artists String Competition

The Tri-State Rising Artists Violin Competition will be held in Spring 2026. The competition is open to violinists, violists, and cellists aged 14-18 who live in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana.

Who can compete:

• Violinists, Violists, and Cellists aged 14-18 living in the Tristate (Indiana, Ohio, or Kentucky), who haven't previously won first or second prize in the competition.

Prize Details:

• First place $600 and a braided carbon fiber bow
• Second place $250
• Audience choice award $200 (the performance that receives the most “likes”)
• First and Second runners-up a prize package from Baroque Violin Shop including a set of strings, rosin and more.

Important Dates:

• Early bird entry deadline: March 16
• Regular entry deadline: March 30
• Winners announced: April 13

Questions?

• Contact William Herzog, herzogw1@nku.edu

Recording Details

• 7-12 minutes total length.
• During registration, please provide YouTube link of your video.
• Music selected should show a range of artistic styles, and could be several pieces or a single work with contrasting sections.
• Performances can be with or without piano accompaniment.
• Recordings should be in one continuous take, no editing or splicing of any kind.
  • It is OK if you walk on and off camera at the beginning and end.
  • Make sure we can see your whole body.
  • Make sure the quality of the sound represents your playing well - you can use a high-quality cell-phone recording, but a separate mic and/or recording software are recommended.
  • Instructions on how to conduct yourself in the video.