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The Sphinx Organization is a national non-profit founded in 1996 by Aaron P.
Dworkin, a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy and the University of
Michigan (B.B. and M.M). A violinist himself, he founded the organization
to help overcome the cultural stereotype of classical music, and to
encourage the participation of Blacks and Latinos in the field.
In the 12 year history of the organization, Sphinx has made the following impact:
 | over 65,000 students reached in 175 schools nationwide |
| Over Over 2 million individuals reached on an annual basis through national broadcasts on PBS and National Public Radio |
| Over $190,000 in quality instruments provided to young minority musicians |
| Over $1,620,000 in prizes and scholarships administered to Sphinx Competition Semi-Finalists |
| Over 190 Laureate performances with Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Baltimore, Cleveland, and St. Louis Symphonies reaching over 180,000 in audiences |
Our Name
The name Sphinx was given to the organization to represent some of the
founding principles that guided its conception. The Sphinx represents the
historical and geographical source for many minorities and exemplifies the
power, wisdom and persistence that we hope to instill in our participants.
The Sphinx also constitutes a mystery, an enigma. Music shares this
puzzling aspect, as it is born from the experiences and aspirations of the
composer as well as the performer. Like the Sphinx, it is up to the
beholder, the listener, to interpret and appreciate from the music what is
ultimately a reflection of internal emotions and spiritual experiences.
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