Choose from a variety of music-making experiences that include private lessons, group classes, workshops, ensemble and recital opportunities as well as overnight summer camps.
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What's new at City Music Center?

Make the most of your CMC experience by purchasing a full-semester package of 14 lessons. In addition to parents and teachers enjoying a fixed Saturday lesson schedule, participants also benefit from a lower base rate for lessons and weekly music theory tutoring sessions. Students enrolled in the full-semester package receive additional scholarship support from CMC to cover any faculty surcharges. The full-semester option also provides participants with the opportunity to earn performance honors as well as financial awards through the CMC jury process.

Full-Semester Program Parameters:

  • All 14 Lessons must occur on Saturdays within the scheduled dates for each semester (Fall and Spring). In-person lesson format with online options as needed.
  • Fall semester begins August 16, 2025 and ends December 13. 2025
    *must register by Friday, September 5, 2025
  • Spring semester begins January 10, 2026 and ends May 16, 2026
    *must register by Friday, January 23, 2026

Get started with Lessons

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

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; K-12, university and adult learners. 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. Our award-winning faculty and community connections make City Music Center the top destination for so many musicians.

When is CMC in Session?

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We operate year-round!

From fall and spring recitals to overnight summer camps, there is always activity in the school. CMC participants are taking weekly private lessons each week and some are preparing for jury evaluations and recitals or seating auditions with a youth orchestra. Your experience will take shape as you work toward your own musical goals!

Our calendar-year is broken down into three basic segments or seasons, Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Click the tabs to explore dates and details.

Fall 2025 Dates of Operation

To align with the University's academic calendar, CMC operates primarily on Saturdays during the Fall and Spring seasons.

August 16 CMC in session - week #1
August 23 CMC in session - week #2
August 30 CMC NOT IN SESSION - UNIVERSITY CLOSED
September 6 CMC in session - week #3
September 13 CMC in session - week #4
September 20 CMC in session - week #5
September 27 CMC in session - week #6
October 4 CMC in session - week #7
October 11 CMC in session - week #8
October 18 CMC in session - week #9
October 25 CMC in session - week #10
November 1 CMC in session - week #11
November 8 CMC in session - week #12
November 15 CMC in session - week #13
November 22 CMC in session - week #14
November 29 CMC NOT IN SESSION - UNIVERSITY CLOSED
December 6 CMC in session - week #15
December 13 CMC in session - week #16
December 20 CMC NOT IN SESSION - UNIVERSITY CLOSED
December 27 CMC NOT IN SESSION - UNIVERSITY CLOSED

View CMC Events

Spring 2026 Dates of Operation

To align with the University's academic calendar, CMC operates primarily on Saturdays during the Fall and Spring seasons.

January 3 CMC NOT IN SESSION - UNIVERSITY CLOSED
January 10 CMC in session - week # 1
January 17 CMC in session - week # 2
January 24 CMC in session - week # 3 
February 7 CMC in session - week # 4
February 14 CMC in session - week # 5
February 21 CMC in session - week # 6
February 28 CMC in session - week # 7
March 7 CMC in session - week # 8
March 14 CMC in session - week # 9
March 21 CMC in session - week # 10
March 28 CMC NOT IN SESSION - UNIVERSITY EVENTS
April 4 CMC NOT IN SESSION - UNIVERSITY CLOSED
April 11 CMC in session - week # 12
April 18 CMC in session - week # 13
April 25 CMC in session - week # 14
May 2 CMC in session - week # 15
May 9 CMC in session - week # 16
May 16 CMC in session - week # 17
May 23 CMC in session - week # 18
May 30 CMC in session - week # 19

View CMC Events

Summer Music Series

Every summer, the Mary Pappert School of Music and City Music Center of Duquesne University team up to offer a variety of camps, workshops, and intensives. The programs featured in the Summer Music Series focus on a range of specialized activities for high school musicians as well as professional development opportunities for school music directors and ensemble leaders.  

Learn more about the Summer Music Series.

Registration Options

 
Violin lesson with student and teacher
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.

View Lesson Packages
teacher showing students how to repair trumpet
Most programs run during the school year (September-May).

Workshops & Events

Programming includes a variety of music-making options such as full-day workshops, guest artist masterclasses, and multi-week music courses. Pick and choose the events and activities that align with your interests and fit your schedule. Stay posted for new program listings!

View Calendar

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; M.M. Performance, 2024

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 music-making activities 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.