The Duke University String School is financially committed to helping families in the community through the Duke University String School (DUSS) Dorothy Kitchen Scholarship Fund. We offer approximately $10,000 each year in scholarship funds for families in financial need.
Families may apply for scholarship assistance to participate in the opportunities offered through DUSS. Scholarships are offered for 75%, 50%, or 25% of tuition costs and for Ensemble/Group Classes, Chamber Music, and/or Private Lessons.
Each year is different, but for reference, families receiving scholarship assistance report an average income of ~$50,000/year.
Scholarship awards are based on availability of funds in the scholarship program and approval by the DUSS Director based one or more of the following criteria. For students applying, please indicate which qualifier you are using.
- Financial need: a copy of the most recent year’s 1040 tax return is required.
- Parent involvement: such as ensemble assistant, accompanist, concert coordinator, etc.
- J. Samuel Hammond Ensemble Scholarship: for participation on a second instrument (viola, cello, bass) in an additional ensemble. Scholarship covers 100% of second ensemble fee.
For students applying for a scholarship for lessons, they will need to secure a lesson time with a teacher before an offer can be sent.
Students applying for scholarship for the first time are required ask for a recommendation from a teacher or other adult supervisor (i.e. classroom teacher, choir conductor, after school program director, etc). The recommender should include information on the student's character, ability on their instrument, and family commitment. Recommendations should be emailed directly from the writer to: erica.shirts@duke.edu.
Applications and any supporting documents for the 2024 Fall Semester must be received no than Monday, August 26, 2024. Please download the application below:
DUSS and Kidznotes are partners in music education in the Triangle area. With support from the Duke Office of Durham and Regional Affairs, we are excited to be able to offer several 75% scholarships for Kidznotes students selected by their teachers for their dedication to their instrument.