The competition week features master classes and coaching by members of the jury panel, which includes Sanford Allen, Rachel Barton, Martha Katz, Carlos Prieto, and Jos_ Serebrier.

Finalists will perform in two concerts: the junior division honors concert, held at Rackham Auditorium in Ann Arbor, and the finals concert at the Detroit Opera House, featuring the senior division finalists accompanied by the Sphinx Symphony, a performance from the junior division winner, and a performance by Patrice Jackson, 2002 Sphinx Competition winner and current Juilliard student.

The Sphinx Organization was founded in 1996 by violinist Aaron P. Dworkin in order to encourage, develop, and recognize classical music talent in blacks and Latinos: two minority groups which are underrepresented in American orchestras. Alumni of the competition have gone on to study at prestigious conservatories and perform in major American orchestras.