What's new at City Music Center?

We are excited to announce the Emerging Musicians Program: High school students in grades 9-12 can win a full scholarship to work 1-on-1 with a master musician at Duquesne University. Winners enjoy 14 weeks of private instruction and work toward a final recital. An application and recorded audition are required. Deadline for submission is December 1, 2023.

Benefits of a City Music Center Education

Founded in 1989, City Music Center of Duquesne University (CMC) has proudly served as the Pittsburgh area's premier provider of musical instruction for students of all ages. As the community outreach division of the Mary Pappert School of Music, CMC strives to educate all who are interested, regardless of musical ability or financial situation.  CMC offers a comprehensive program of individual instrumental instruction combined with a sequenced, age-appropriate musicianship curriculum, ensemble and recital opportunities, as well as lessons and educational programs for university-level students and adults of all ages and skill levels. 

We are the premier community music school in the Pittsburgh area.

Award-Winning Faculty, All-Steinway Music School, Private Music Lessons, Music Classes, Large Ensembles, Chamber Music, Scholarships, Awards, Competitions, Recitals and more.

Registration Options

 
 
trumpet lesson
Degree-seeking applicants to the Mary Pappert School of Music qualify for a free lesson. Learn more

Lesson Packages

Whether you are new to an instrument or gearing up for a college audition, sign up to work with one of our music faculty members to help you improve your playing. Lesson packages can be purchased in a variety of durations and quantities for a flexible and customizable lesson experience.

Lesson Packages
group of suzuki violin students
Open enrollment runs from May 1 - Sept 1 each year.

Saturday Programs

Saturday programs combine private lessons with music classes for a well-rounded and fulfilling music-making experience that lasts an entire school year! Students in grades K-12 can enroll in the full-year curriculum or choose to participate in select parts of the program. Saturday programming runs from September through May annually.

Saturday Programs

Community Partnerships

City Music Center of Duquesne University and the Mary Pappert School of Music are proud to host youth music organizations from the Pittsburgh community on campus. By providing access to our music school facilities, staff, and instructors, these groups are thriving alongside one another providing a rich musical environment for participants from all programs.

Pittsburgh Youth Chorus

PYC provides opportunities for singers to experience a variety of choral and chamber choir settings in a supportive and collaborative environment. Read more about the group and how to join.

PYC Details

Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras

TRYPO is one of the most well-known youth orchestras in the area, and provides numerous instrumental ensemble experiences.

TRYPO Details

Youth Chamber Connection

YC2 is a unique pool of young musicians from multiple youth orchestras all seeking music-making experiences in small groups and chamber ensembles. Get connected and start playing!

YC2 Details

 

Questions?

Contact City Music Center to learn more about program options and pathways that fit your needs. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest events and activities.

Subscribe to CMC Newsletter

City Music Center

Duquesne University | 600 Forbes Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15282

City Music Center Prepares Musicians for Success

A violinist poses for a headshot.

My time at CMC taught me just how powerful community is in music. Being immersed in a group of people who were just as passionate as me was one of the main reasons I chose to pursue my musical studies at Duquesne University.

Michelle Kenyon B.S. Music Education, 2022; Current Graduate Student (M.M. Performance, violin)

Upcoming City Music Center Events

All City Music Center Events
A child plays a piano next to their teacher.

CMC - STAGE Live (Halloween Edition)

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  • Mary Pappert School of Music
More About This Event
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CMC - Not in Session

Duquesne University Thanksgiving Break

More About This Event
A child plays a violin.

CMC - Suzuki Recital

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  • Mary Pappert School of Music
More About This Event
A student and their teacher perform on pianos.

CMC - Winter Formal Recital

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  • Mary Pappert School of Music
More About This Event
Blue graphic with white calendar icon.

CMC - Not in Session

Duquesne University Winter Break

More About This Event

 

Mission & Values

We want you to have a great experience from the very beginning! We make every effort to select the teacher who is best for you and recommend the classes appropriate for your age, skill level, and experience.

At City Music Center of Duquesne University, we believe that music is for everyone and it is meant to be shared! The faculty and administration believe that students of all ages and abilities can know the thrill of making music together.
Combining the excellence and rigor of a comprehensive music conservatory program with the ideals and philosophy of a community music school, City Music Center of Duquesne University offers music training to everyone from the Pittsburgh and surrounding areas.
Sharing Duquesne University's mission of serving God through community service and excellence in education, City Music Center of Duquesne University continues the tradition of American Community Music Schools which were founded on the radical premise that music education is a necessary and vital part of life and should be available to all who want it.