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
Congratulations to all the students who performed in the Concerto Competition on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Each and every student who participated… read more about 2023 Concerto Competition Winners »
Join us for a workshop with on music written in the 20th century with Dr. Isoa Chapman on Saturday, April 8 from 2:00-3:30 in Room 101. Within the… read more about New Music Workshop with Dr. Isoa Chapman »
Our advanced chamber groups participating in the DUSS-Ciompi Quartet Collaborative have been busy this semester performing for the Forest at Duke… read more about DCC Chamber Groups Perform in the Community »
Events
Meet the Instructors
Teacher of Cello
Nathan Leyland, born in Butler, Pennsylvania, began his cello studies at the age of 9 in the public schools of Lynchburg,VA. Nathan attended the… read Nathan Leyland'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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Director of the Duke University String School and Teacher of Violin, Viola, Chamber Music, Beginner Violin, and Violin Choir III
Erica Shirts, a native of Utah, regularly performs in the North Carolina Symphony and North Carolina Opera. Erica has performed as the Associate… read Erica Shirts's full profile »
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 »
Teacher of violin, viola, and chamber music
Isoa Chapman is originally from New Zealand where he studied with Jan Tawroszewicz (Warsaw Piano Quintet) at Canterbury University. He subsequently… read Isoa Chapman'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 »
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.