SFA’s School of Music launches Elliott String Quartet Fellowship

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University’s School of Music has launched the Elliott String Quartet Fellowship, a new graduate-level opportunity designed to attract top-tier string musicians and enhance the university’s orchestral program. The fellowship will begin in fall 2025 and provide competitive financial support to selected graduate students pursuing a Master of Music in performance or a performing artist certificate.

“For a school of music to be the best it can be, it must have a strong string orchestra program,” said Dr. Gary Wurtz, dean of the Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts. “This fellowship allows us to bring in high-level musicians who will serve as leaders within the program, elevating performance quality and increasing our recruiting reach.”

Made possible by a generous donation from the Elliott Family Foundation and Bill Elliott, husband to the late Micky Elliott for whom the college was named, the quartet will be composed of two violinists, a violist and a cellist, with each member serving as a principal player in the SFA Symphony Orchestra. Beyond their role in the orchestra, the quartet will maintain an active performance schedule, including on-campus recitals, state and national engagements and potential international appearances.

School of Music faculty members are currently recruiting the quartet’s inaugural members, who will not only benefit from a highly competitive financial award but also graduate with a prestigious performance credential that will strengthen their career opportunities.

As part of their residency, quartet members will facilitate weekly orchestra sectionals and serve as a lab ensemble for graduate conducting students. This immersive experience is designed to prepare them for professional careers in chamber music while simultaneously strengthening SFA’s music program.

According to Wurtz, membership in the quartet will change every two years as members graduate. Rotating performers will expand the school's recruiting reach while giving talent from around the world the chance to compete for membership and add a significant credential to their résumé.

“The existence of this group and its affiliation with SFA will further enhance public awareness of the great things happening here,” Wurtz said. “This is a major step forward in the evolution of our program.”

For more information on the Elliott String Quartet Fellowship or the School of Music’s graduate program, visit sfasu.edu/music.