Join Us

Distinguished Artist and Principal Violist with the Minnesota Orchestra Rebecca Albers works with a student.

Apply today to audition for the Center for Strings. Accepted students receive a full-tuition University scholarship.

Take the first step toward an extraordinary college experience.

Auditions
Sunday, February 21, 2027

McDuffie Center Application Process and Requirements

Undergraduate applicants: Complete this Undergraduate Audition Application Form. (Note: You must first apply to Mercer University before you can apply to McDuffie.)

Artist Diploma applicants: Contact mcduffiecenter@mercer.edu for an application.

Required for All Applicants (Undergraduate and Artist Diploma):

  1. Short essay describing your goals in studying music (approximately 500 words)

  2. One letter of recommendation

  3. Pre-screening video with one piece of applicant's choice that best demonstrates the level of playing. YouTube or other online video preferred.

  4. Repertoire for the in-person audition

    • Two contrasting movements of solo Bach

    • A concerto movement

    • An etude/caprice of your choice (for bass choose three orchestral excerpts from the standard orchestral literature in place of an etude)

Deadline

Priority deadline for completed Application and Materials is December 1, 2026. Applications received after December 1 may still be reviewed.

Notification

Assignment of audition times will be determined by receipt of pre-screening video/materials.

Auditions will be in-person only.

Applicants who complete an audition will be notified of the Center’s acceptance decision by April 15, 2026. Students must also be accepted to Mercer University.