The COT's Coda program brings the Durham Fellows, guest artists, and our string quartets-in-residence into local middle and high schools to provide professional level coaching for budding musicians. This is a rare opportunity for students to work one-on-one with professional musicians, learning about careers in the arts while also honing their technique and musicianship. 

The COT has two fellowship programs for young musicians. The Durham Fellowship brings together four young professional musicians (a quartet of two violinists, a violist, and a cellist) who represent the demographics of Durham and have been selected through a national audition process to spend 9 months of each year working with The COT. Durham Fellows are exposed to a wide variety of professional and educational experiences, including performing as members of the orchestra, engaging the community, taking on weekly administrative duties, and engaging with students in our local public schools.

The NC Fellowship gives collegiate students studying string instruments in the state of North Carolina the opportunity to perform with a professional orchestra. After the audition process, selected students will receive a paid fellowship with the orchestra, giving them a spot in the COT’s string section for the season. 

The COT also sends our guest and resident artists to area retirement communities, bringing the performing arts to an audience that cannot always attend our regular performances. We also work with staff at these facilities to arrange transportation to COT concerts, when possible, ensuring that they are accessible to music lovers of all ages.