Robert McDuffie Center for Strings

Overview

The Robert McDuffie Center for Strings has assembled an unparalleled faculty of international performing artists to teach talented students in pursuit of musical excellence.

Founded as a special institute within Mercer University’s School of Music, the McDuffie Center for Strings’ enrollment is limited to 27 students: twelve violinists, six violists, six cellists and three double bassists. Students accepted to McDuffie receive a full-tuition University scholarship.

The distinguished artists of the McDuffie Center perform, collaborate and record with the finest orchestras, string ensembles and conductors around the world. They are at the top of their fields.

In years past, students have recorded an album with R.E.M. founding member Mike Mills, filmed A Grand Mercer Christmas and A Night of Georgia Music for public television broadcast, and played in Carnegie Hall. All students travel to Rome, Italy, at least once to perform at the Rome Chamber Music Festival. McDuffie graduates are consistently admitted to master’s programs at top schools, including Yale, Curtis, the New England Conservatory, Michigan and Juilliard, where two of our alums have won prestigious Kovner Fellowships.

The McDuffie Center for Strings’ distinguished artists, faculty and staff are dedicated to the development of student artists pursuing personal and musical excellence.