Question 1

Divisions & Eligibility

Accepted Answer

The competition has two divisions: The Open Division and The Rivers Division.Each division has three age categories – Elementary School (up to 5th grade), Middle School (6th–8th grade), and High School (9th–12th grade).Students may compete in a higher category if they wish.Students may not participate in the same category if they have already won first place in a previous year, but they may compete in a higher category the following or future years.The Open Division:All string players who take lessons in New England are eligible. In each age category, 1st prize is $500, 2nd prize is $300, and 3rd prize is $150.The Rivers Division:All string players who take weekly lessons at RSC are eligible. In each age category, 1st prize is a $500 RSC scholarship, 2nd prize is a $300 RSC scholarship, and 3rd prize is a $150 RSC scholarship. If a prize winner is a senior at RSC, a cash prize will be substituted for a scholarship. All Rivers Division competitors must be enrolled in their second, complete consecutive semester or greater at RSC. Summers are not counted in this total.

Question 2

Requirements, Application, and Video Instructions

Accepted Answer

Richter String Competition RequirementsTwo contrasting pieces memorized and link to Unlisted YouTube Video (requirements below).If competing in the Open Division, you are responsible for your own accompanist if invited to finalsAll Rivers Division competitors must be enrolled in their second, complete consecutive semester or greater at RSC. Summers are not counted in this total.Application Fees:$80 fee for Open Division applicants$55 fee for Rivers Division applicantsApplications for the 2027 Competition have not opened yet.Please read all video requirements carefully:At least 720p, preferably 1080p or higher  One continuous take of both contrasting piecesVideo cannot be edited or alteredVideo cannot include an accompanistEntire body must be visible and fill most of the screen Ensure the video has good quality audio and image Do not use special effects, dissolves, etc.  Do not submit pre-recorded live performancesPlease wear concert attire Competitors bow when finished, as when performing in a recitalDeviations from the above requirements will be accepted and heard, but not considered for a prizeInstructions for uploading your video to YouTube:Log into YouTube or create a free account.Click the camera+ icon (top right corner) to upload a new videoTitle your video: Last Name, First Name, Open or Rivers Division, Elementary/Middle/High School  Description: Composer, Title, Key, Opus# or BWV “Is this video made for kids?” select, “No, it’s not made for kids”.Click “Unlisted” under the “Visibility” section and copy the link for your video to include in your application.Click “Save”.  Your video may take a while to process if it is a large, high-def file.
Downloadable Version of Requirements

Richter String Competition

Thank you to all who joined us for the 2026 Richter String Competition!

The 2026 Winners

Entering the Competition

Divisions & Eligibility

Requirements, Application, and Video Instructions

About the Competition

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