Music Education at Duquesne University is unique in the nation, recognized by the Music Educators National Conference for its implementation of the National Standards for Arts Education. Following a curriculum which is structured to develop both musicians and teachers, students participate in course offerings with an emphasis on comprehensive musicianship to ensure that only the finest musicians enter the teaching profession.

Nine areas of musical studies: singing, playing instruments, improvising, composing, reading, analysis, listening, related arts and history comprise the undergraduate course of study for the student teacher. In addition, methods classes which emphasize practical experiences in working with children of all ages, socio-economic status and multicultural types prepare students for teaching in a wide spectrum of opportunities.

Along with field experiences in local schools, students have special advantages to work with the City Music Center, Duquesne's community music school, and the Children's Festival Chorus, in residence at the Mary Pappert School of Music. All students become computer literate and competent with state-of-the-art technology. Experiences with the Kodaly music learning theory, Orff and Dalcroze methods round out a curriculum which prepares Duquesne graduates to become the innovative educational leaders of the future.