M.M. in Sacred Music

One of the most recognized sacred music programs in the country, the Sacred Music degree program at Duquesne emphasizes the spiritual and musical development of graduate students and educates them to become Ministers of Music through a full range of church music courses, practical training, church internships and work in the Duquesne University Chapel. Students may take applied studies in organ, piano, voice and directed study in choral conducting. Graduate students perform on Duquesne's beautiful Steinway pianos and have access to a variety of superior organs in the Pittsburgh area.

Admission Requirements

1. Applicants must meet the admission requirements as stated in the Graduate Admissions and Policies publication.

2. Organ Audition: The applicant must demonstrate organ proficiency equivalent to the senior undergraduate level in both performance and repertoire. For the entrance audition, the applicant should perform one work by J.S. Bach and at least one other work in a contrasting style. Although memorization is not required for the audition, it is encouraged. In addition, the applicant must bring a list of repertoire to the audition.

3. Piano Audition: Scales: All major and minor scales for four octaves in sixteenth notes: M.M.- 120. All diminished, dominant seventh, major and minor arpeggios for four octaves in sixteenth notes: M.M.= 104. Representative literature: Bach: a prelude and fugue; Beethoven: a sonata comparable in difficulty to Op. 10, No. 1; Chopin: a nocturne; one work from the Impressionist or Modern periods.

Sample Curriculum

Secondary Concentration

In order to allow for greater curricular flexibility and to tailor graduate study to the professional needs and objectives of the individual student, all degree programs include the option of a secondary concentration which complements the major. Normally, about one-third of each curriculum is devoted to elective courses. The choice of elective courses within the same specific area comprises the secondary concentration. Several possible secondary concentrations are available including music education, jazz studies, theory, music technology, conducting and sacred music. The specific courses which comprise the secondary concentration are determined by the appropriate faculty and the student in consultation with the student's primary advisor.