Rosen-Schaffel Competition
The Rosen-Schaffel Competition for Young and Emerging Artists is a prestigious annual event dedicated to discovering and nurturing the talents of the next generation of classical musicians. Hosted in partnership with the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University, this competition invites promising young instrumentalists from across the nation to showcase their skills in a vibrant and supportive environment.
Participants compete for a chance to win generous cash prizes that support their musical careers. The competition features a panel of distinguished judges, including renowned musicians and educators, who provide invaluable feedback and mentorship to the contestants.
Named in honor of Mrs. Muriel Rosen and two of Mrs. Rosen’s family members, Nancy and Neil Schaffel, the Rosen-Schaffel Competition continues to uphold a legacy of excellence and artistic growth. This event is a cornerstone of Appalachian State University’s commitment to fostering the arts and providing exceptional opportunities for young musicians to achieve their dreams.
Join us each year in celebrating the extraordinary talent and dedication of these young artists as they embark on their musical journeys and inspire audiences with their performances. You can also view the winners and finalists from previous competitions.
15th Annual Rosen-Schaffel Competition for Young and Emerging Artists
July 2, 2026
Live Competition: 1pm
Winner’s Recital: 7:30pm
Rosen Concert Hall, Broyhill Music Center
Prizes*
First Place: $3,500 and public recital as part of An Appalachian Summer Festival (the evening of the competition)
Second Place: $2,500
Third Place: $1,500
Audience Choice: $1,000
Honorable Mention: $500
*Ensemble winners will split the prize money evenly.
Note: All prizewinners must complete appropriate IRS forms to receive disbursement of prize monies. Payments of $1,500 or more may be subject to North Carolina or Federal withholding. Prize award eligibility is conditional upon authorization for employment in the United States, or otherwise eligible to receive payment under state and federal laws.
Eligibility and application procedures
The competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in a music degree program (up to age 26) — during the application window time of the competition — at a college/university located in the following Southeastern states: NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, TN, KY, WV and VA. Both solo and small chamber ensembles are eligible to apply; each member must meet eligibility requirements.
- All finalists competing in the final live round must provide an accompanist for the competition and also, if selected as the First Place winner(s), for the public recital. Both the applicant and the accompanist must be available to travel to Boone, NC on July 2 for the final round of the competition at 1pm. Finalists and accompanists are responsible for their own travel expenses.
- First Place winner must stay and perform a full 45-60-minute recital at 7:30pm.
- Competition is open to all instruments/voices (individuals, plus accompanist, if applicable, as well as small chamber ensembles).
- A First Place Winner from a previous Rosen-Schaffel Competition is not eligible to return for future competitions.
- Prize Award eligibility is conditional upon authorization for employment in the United States, or otherwise eligible to receive payment under state and federal laws.
Application materials
All materials listed below must be submitted as part of the application. If you have trouble accessing the application, please contact: rosen-schaffelcompetition@appstate.edu or call 828-262-2952.
- Audio recording of the selections to be performed in the competition (mp3). Please name file with First and Last Name. Audio recordings only; no videos, please.
- Written program with complete work/movement titles and composer information (program format, please). No changes permitted once submitted.
- Please note that for the preliminary round, recordings will be shared with jurors for a blind adjudication process; therefore, recordings must be anonymous to help protect the objectivity of the judging process. Submissions that identify the applicant in the audio recording will be disqualified.
Repertoire requirements for application
- Selected repertoire is at the discretion of the applicant, but must be complete works for soloist and accompaniment and total between 45-60 minutes of music.
- No more than one work for solo instrument or voice without accompaniment may be submitted.
- Please note that the full program recording must be combined into one audio file (mp3).
Repertoire requirements for live competition (1:00pm)
- The final live round of the competition is a public event in which finalists will perform for up to 25 minutes.
- It is preferred for repertoire to be memorized, but not required.
- Finalists must bring an unmarked copy of the score with measure numbers for judges
- Finalists must perform the same repertoire selections submitted with the application.
- Finalists should introduce themselves upon taking the stage (name, institution, hometown and identify their first piece).
- Finalists may start with the piece of their choice.
- The judges may ask the finalist to play specific repertoire or passages originally submitted by the contestant. Finalists should be prepared for the judges to stop and start performance in order to hear particular selections.
Repertoire requirements for Winner’s Recital (7:30pm)
- Repertoire must be memorized.
- Program must be between 45-60 minutes of music.
- Program must be the same repertoire as submitted with original application.
- Winner(s) should introduce themselves and each performance piece.
Apply to participate in the competition
Applications and application materials must be submitted online no later than April 30, 2026.
Jury process
A panel of distinguished musicians, conductors, and collegiate educators serve as jurors for the preliminary round. Based on recordings submitted, jurors select up to six (6) finalists via a blind adjudication process to compete at a public event held as part of An Appalachian Summer Festival’s season. In the event that one of the finalists selected cannot compete in the final round, two (2) alternates are named.
In the final live round of the competition, another select panel of prominent musicians, conductors, and collegiate educators will name First Place, Second Place, Third Place, and Honorable Mention. The decision of the judges is final. In addition, the competition audience will select an Audience Choice Award Winner.
History of the Rosen-Schaffel Competition
The Rosen-Schaffel Competition for Young and Emerging Artists, established in July 2011, is a program of An Appalachian Summer Festival, the university’s annual summer celebration of the performing and visual arts. The competition is co-presented with the university’s highly acclaimed Hayes School of Music, and is named in honor of Mrs. Muriel Rosen and two of Mrs. Rosen’s family members, Nancy and Neil Schaffel.
Arnold and Muriel Rosen’s vision and generosity led to the founding of An Appalachian Summer Festival in 1983. Central to the program’s founding principles is a belief in the importance of supporting young American artists, and promoting the professional endeavors of young artists pursuing careers in the fine arts. This belief, championed by the Rosens and their family, remains an integral component of the festival’s mission and identity, and is clearly reflected in this remarkable series.
