In 2004, Mercer University named internationally renowned violinist Robert McDuffie, Distinguished University Professor of Music. The 2007-2008 academic year marks the inaugural year of the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings, a special institute within Mercer's Townsend School of Music on the Macon campus. Between concert engagements he teaches the McDuffie Center string students, guiding them to a higher level of musicianship. 

The Robert McDuffie Center for Strings is a highly selective program that prepares string students for success in the real world.  Students study with some of the nation's renowned string musicians, receiving music instruction of conservatory quality, while earning an academically well-rounded undergraduate education from a comprehensive, nationally recognized university 

Mr. McDuffie, in collaboration with the McDuffie Center for Strings, has designed an intense string festival for high school juniors and seniors. Committed to providing participants with a superb opportunity to study with the very best, Mr. McDuffie has personally selected the distinguished artists who serve as faculty for the Center and the Labor Day Festival. 

Mercer University hosts the Robert McDuffie & Friends Labor Day Festival for Strings for 16 exceptional high school junior and senior string musicians. Participants will be immersed in a four-day music learning extravaganza with some of the nation's foremost concert artists and McDuffie Center for Strings distinguished artist teachers. Students will have both personal and group lessons that will advance them to a new level of music performance. 

Festival Faculty

Robert McDuffie, internationally renowned concert artist
Distinguished University Professor of Music at Mercer University

Distinguished Artists of the McDuffie Center for Strings

Amy Schwartz Moretti, Director of the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings of Mercer University, Caroline Paul King Violin Chair, and former Concertmaster, Oregon Symphony

Andrés Díaz, renowned concert artist

David Halen, Concertmaster, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra

Christopher Rex, Principal Cellist, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Sabina Thatcher, Principal Violist, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra

Paul Murphy, Associate Principal Violist, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Limited Enrollment

This intense music festival is limited to high school juniors and seniors and is designed for those string musicians who have demonstrated exceptional talent and skill. Only 8 violinists, 4 cellists and 4 violists will be selected.

Tuition and Housing

All students accepted to the Fall Festival will receive a full scholarship, covering tuition, housing, and meals.  Further information regarding transportation options and housing details will be available in the acceptance packet.

Application Information

To receive information on the 2008 festival, contact:

Amy Schwartz Moretti
1400 Coleman Avenue
Macon, GA 31207

(478) 301-2748 or (800) 840-8577, ext. 2748

moretti_as@mercer.edu