DUSS Ensembles
Violin & Cello Group Classes
- Beginner Cello
- Cello Choir I
- Cello Choir II
- Beginner Violin
- Violin Choir I
- Violin Choir II
- Violin Choir III
Orchestras
Welcome to the Duke University
String School!
In residence on Duke’s beautiful campus, the Duke University String School is a string education program for students aged 5-18 who commit to their instrument through practice, weekly lessons, and ensemble instruction. Dedicated to excellence, we provide students with clear goals for advancement while fostering a love for music and opportunities for lasting friendships.
Since its founding in 1967 by Mrs. Dorothy Kitchen and Mrs. Arlene DiCecco, DUSS has a 50-year tradition of facilitating access to music education for any child. The Duke University String School is committed to being accessible to any student, regardless of financial status, who is passionate about music and interested in a program fostering excellence in a supportive atmosphere.
News
Join us live at Baldwin Auditorium via livestream on April, 24 @6:30pm for our final concert of the 2021/2022 season featuring the 2021 Concerto… read more about Streaming link for April 24, 2022 Orchestra Concert »
We are very pleased to announce that Professor Harry Davidson will be continuing as the Conductor and now Music Director of the Youth Symphony in… read more about Harry Davidson continuing as Conductor of Youth Symphony »
Join us live at Baldwin Auditorium via livestream on February 20 @6:30pm for our winter orchestra concert featuring the Intermediate String… read more about Streaming link for February 20, 2022 Orchestra Concert »
Events
Meet the Instructors
Teacher of Bass and Chamber Music
Based out of Raleigh, NC, Dr. Hobin is a frequent performer of orchestral, chamber, Baroque and 20th/21st century repertoire, as well as jazz, rock,… read Zachary Hobin's full profile »
Director of the Duke University String School and Teacher of Violin, Viola, Chamber Music, Beginner Violin, and Violin Choir III
Erica, a native of Utah, regularly performs in the North Carolina Symphony and North Carolina Opera. Erica has served as the Associate Concertmaster… read Erica Shirts's full profile »
Teacher of Violin and Viola, Conductor of Violin Choir I
Nonoko started her violin training at the age of six in her native Japan. She grew up studying with teachers who were close pupils of Dr. Shinichi… read Nonoko Okada's full profile »
Teacher of Violin, Viola, and Chamber Music
Lisa Mae Lewis recently moved to North Carolina from the Los Angeles area. She earned her Bachelors of Music degree in String Concentration from… read Lisa Mae Lewis's full profile »
Teacher of Viola, Violin, and Chamber Music
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, violist Maria Valencia began her music studies at the Carabobo Music Conservatory. She then transcended her studies to… read Maria Valencia's full profile »
Teacher of Cello, Co-Conductor of Cello Choirs
After graduating from the Victoriano Lopez music conservatory in San Pedro Sula, Honduras in 1980, Carlos A. Bardales moved to San Jose, Costa Rica… read Carlos Bardales's full profile »
Teacher of Violin and Chamber Music
Born and raised in Utah, Jasmine began begging at the age of three for violin lessons. After a few years, her parents acquiesced. Her primary… read Jasmine Campbell's full profile »
Conductor of the Concert String Orchestra, Chamber Music Coordinator, Teacher of Violin, Viola and Chamber
Robert Rempher received his Bachelors Degree in Violin Performance as well as a Performers Certificate from Purchase College, State University of New… read Rob Rempher's full profile »
Instructor
Isoa Chapman is originally from New Zealand where he studied at Canterbury University with the Polish violinist Jan Tawroscewicz, first concertmaster… read Isoa Chapman's full profile »
Founder of the Duke University String School and Director Emeritus
Dorothy Kitchen began her studies at Eastman School of Music, finished Phi Beta Kappa at Case Western Reserve University and took her Master's Degree… read Dorothy Kitchen's full profile »
Teacher of Cello, Co-Conductor of Cello Choirs
Cellist Erica Leavell grew up in New Jersey where at an early age, she began her studies with former Philadelphia Orchestra principal cellist William… read Erica Leavell's full profile »
Conductor of the Intermediate String Orchestra, Teacher of Music Theory
Matthew Stutzman grew up in Indianapolis, IN and in 2004 received his bachelor of arts in music education from Vandercook College of Music in Chicago… read Matt Stutzman's full profile »
Help Support DUSS!
The Duke University String School is financially committed to helping families in the community who would not be able to participate otherwise. We are grateful for all contributions, no matter the size, to the Dorothy Kitchen Scholarship Fund.