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
Tyler Jordan (b. 1997) is a composer and performer currently pursuing a PhD in composition at Duke University under the mentorship of John Supko.… read more about 2026 DUSS Composer in Residence »
All participants showed dedication and musicianship in the 2025 DUSS Concerto Competition. The winners are as follows: 2025 DUSS Concerto… read more about 2025 DUSS Concerto Competition Results »
It is our pleasure to announce that Dr. Molly Hines will join the DUSS teaching faculty starting July 7, 2025. Dr. Hines will be teaching private… read more about DUSS Welcomes Molly Hines: Violin & Viola Teacher »
Events
Meet the Instructors
Cello Teacher, Chamber Music Instructor, 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 »
Violin and Viola Teacher, Violin Choir I Conductor, Chamber Music Instructor, Administrative Assistant
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 »
Intermediate String Orchestra Condcutor, Music Theory Teacher
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 »
Viola & Violin Teacher
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 »
Founder 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 »
Concert String Orchestra Conductor, Chamber Music Coordinator, Violin & Viola Teacher
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 »
Viola and Violin Teacher, Chamber Music Instructor
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 »
Violin and Viola Teacher, Chamber Music Instructor
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 »
Cello Teacher, 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 »
Bass Teacher, Chamber Music Instructor
Based out of Raleigh, NC, Dr. Hobin is a frequent performer of orchestral, chamber, Baroque and 20th/21st century repertoire, as well as jazz,… read Zachary Hobin's full profile »
Director, Violin & Viola Teacher, Chamber Music Instructor, Beginner Violin & Violin Choir III Conductor
Erica Shirts, originally from Utah, has directed the Duke University String School for 10 years, and regularly performs withthe North Carolina… read Erica Shirts's full profile »
Cello Teacher
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 »
Violin and Viola Teacher
Dr. Molly Hines is a professional violinist who maintains a dynamic teaching and performing career. Molly is passionate in sharing the joy of music… read Molly Hines'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.