Duncan Ferguson

Duncan Ferguson is a Lecturer in Strings and Chamber Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Head of Chamber Music at St Mary’s Music School. His roles combine teaching with performance, including leading a Viola Studio since 2011. He has held affiliations with prestigious institutions such as the Royal Academy of Music and The University of York, where the Medea Quartet held a String Quartet Residency for three years. Previously, he was a core member of the ASMF Chamber Ensemble and performed with the English Chamber Orchestra and The Academy of St Martin in the Fields for nearly a decade.

Education: Graduated from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 1992, where he studied viola under James Durrant MBE. He later earned an Exhibition and Full Scholarship to study with the Amadeus Quartet at the Royal Academy of Music, London.

Research Interests: Focuses on music pedagogy, particularly in chamber music and strings instruction. He has pioneered educational projects for children with autism, blending performance artistry with outreach. His career highlights include performances in over 70 countries, recordings in London’s top studios, and collaborations with artists like Joshua Bell and Janine Jansen.

Scientific Awards: Awarded Leverhulme Fellowships during his tenure with the Medea Quartet. Recognized through competitive scholarships and global performance accolades.

Advising & Grants: Advised students now active in major institutions (e.g., Royal Academy of Music, Julliard) and professional ensembles. His autism education initiatives suggest grant-funded projects, though specific grants aren’t detailed. Maintained a dual focus on performance and education despite 18 years as a core member of the ASMF.

Labs/Teams: Formerly part of the Medea Quartet (1996–2001) and the ASMF Chamber Ensemble (2003–2013). Currently leads Viola Studio and Chamber Music programs at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and St Mary’s Music School.