| Contest | Place | Year |
|---|---|---|
| National Flat Pick Guitar Championship | First | 1986 |
| National Flat Pick Guitar Championship | First | 1984 |
| National Flat Pick Guitar Championship | First | 1978 |
| National Flat Pick Guitar Championship | Second | 2015 |
| National Flat Pick Guitar Championship | Second | 2013 |
| National Flat Pick Guitar Championship | Second | 1977 |
| Walnut Valley Mandolin Championship (1976-2009) | Third | 1988 |
2015 - Another well-known name competed in this contest. Steve Kaufman of Alcoa, TN took 2nd place in this contest. Steve has entered this contest nine times now. Steve was the first contestant to win the National Flat Pick Guitar 3 times when he placed first in 1978, 1981 and 1986. Steve has also placed 2nd three different times. Steve also took 3rd place twice in the Walnut Valley Mandolin Championship. Steve was 14-years old when he first started playing the guitar and has been playing ever since. He considers himself a music instructor. Steve conducted his famous camps this past year hosting over 650 students. Along with guitar and mandolin, Steve also plays the banjo. Besides music, Steve just enjoys being at home with his wife Donna. As for the Walnut Valley Festival, Steve considers it “the best.”
Steve will be taking with him back to TN the 2nd Place Trophy and a Martin D-18 Authentic Model Guitar with a Custom Inlay by the C.F. Martin and Company of Nazareth, PA.