Facilities

PNC Recital Hall and the Dr. Thomas D. Pappert Center for Performance and Innovation are two of the primary performances spaces in our building. In addition, some larger-scale events are held in other University spaces, including the Charles J. Dougherty Ballroom in the University's Power Center, the Student Union Ballroom, and the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, to name a few.

Use the accordion below to explore all of the facilities available to you as a student of the Mary Pappert School of Music!

Dedicated in 2001, the PNC Recital Hall provides an intimate performance space for faculty and student recitals, as well as small chamber group performances, and comfortably seats an audience of 250. The stage is large enough to accommodate a small orchestra, and the live acoustics make it ideal for chamber music and solo performance. The hall is equipped with two Model D nine-foot Steinway concert grand pianos that are among the finest in the Pittsburgh region, as well as a 2-manual harpsichord by Anderson H. Dupree. A built-in audio/visual system enables technology students to present multimedia performance projects complete with video projection and surround sound.

Explore PNC Recital Hall

Audience Perspective

Stage Perspective

PNC Recital Hall performances can be recorded in both audio and video from a dedicated recording room backstage via a remote-controlled high definition PTZ camera, as well as a pair of DPA Compact 4011 cardioid microphones and a spaced pair of DPA SMK4061 omnidirectional microphones suspended above the stage. The recital hall stage can also be tied into the adjacent Recording Complex for more involved multi-track recording sessions. Acoustics can be varied by retracting or deploying the heavy draperies surrounding the stage, and the stage is fully equipped with several movable acoustic shell panels.

See the PNC Recital Hall in Concert

 

Each year, many students and faculty utilize the PNC Recital Hall for recitals and concerts. In addition, the room also doubles as a classroom/lecture space for larger classes and guest artist master classes. A portable SMART board for high-definition, interactive presentations is available for use in both the PNC Recital Hall and the PNC Recital Hall lobby.

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PNC Recital Hall Lobby

The PNC Recital Hall Lobby is a multi-purpose space acoustically isolated from the recital hall and is equipped for hosting receptions with an adjacent kitchen. Two large-screen televisions and a sound system capable of simulcasting live events inside the hall are also available.

In addition, the lobby is routinely used as a classroom (movement classes, such as Eurhythmics), making use of a concealed whiteboard and the aforementioned audio/visual amenities.

Explore PNC Recital Hall Lobby

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Dr. Thomas D. Pappert Center for Performance and Innovation

The Dr. Thomas D. Pappert Center for Performance and Innovation provides our students and faculty with a technologically sophisticated and acoustically superb space. Designed and built for the optimal sound experience, the Pappert Center incorporates visionary thinking in acoustic engineering and is equipped with the latest audio/visual and recording technologies. This resource inspires our students and faculty to achieve the highest levels of creativity and artistry in their musical ventures.

Presentations and performances can be captured digitally in both high definition video and audio. These captures can be used for packaging media and streaming broadcasts for internet, television, and radio. In addition to its versatility as a performance and recording venue, the Pappert Center also serves as a rehearsal space for several of our large ensembles, including the Duquesne Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and Symphony Band, and can also be adapted to serve as a classroom/lecture space for classes and clinics with larger numbers of students.

Explore the Pappert Center

Instead of a raised stage that limits open space, roughly one-third of the Pappert Center's floor is finished in a hardwood "stage." Theatrical lighting, a variety of seating arrangements, and a high-tech audio/visual system, including a 16-foot video projection screen and surround sound audio, complete the transformation from a rehearsal space to a performance venue that can seat over 100 people.

Inside the Pappert Center, you will have the ability to utilize one of our four Model D Steinway grand pianos, as well as easy access to the instrumental music library. Percussion studios and storage are also directly adjacent, making for easy setup/teardown.

The Pappert Center is directly tied into the William M. Schrecengost Memorial Mastering Suite where concerts, recitals, and rehearsals can be captured, recorded, and prepared for critical listening purposes, enhancing the experience of those studying state-of-the-art techniques in digital audio, video production, and broadcast media.

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Off-campus Performance Venues

Many of our ensembles regularly perform off-campus in some of Pittsburgh's most notable halls, auditoriums, and churches, including:

• Carnegie Music Hall, Oakland
• Heinz Hall (home of the GRAMMY Award-winning Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra)
• August Wilson Center
• Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall
• Twentieth Century Club
• Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall
• St. Paul Cathedral
• St. Mary of the Mount Parish

Other notable venues outside of Pittsburgh in which our ensembles have had the opportunity to perform have included both Carnegie Music Hall and Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola at Lincoln Center in New York City, as well as many other prestigious venues around the country. The Voices of Spirit travel regularly, recently performing in various venues in Canada.

More About Performance

Acoustically treated classrooms with high ceilings are equipped with grand pianos, audio-visual systems, and comfortable seating, creating an aesthetically pleasing environment for experiencing and studying music. Also, the majority of our classrooms are Hybrid-Flexible (HyFlex), accommodating the simultaneous teaching of in-person students and online learners using sophisticated audio/visual equipment.

Room 206 (Choir Room)

This large rehearsal space, dedicated primarily to choral rehearsals, is equipped with an audio/visual system, two Steinway model B grand pianos, and an Allen Digital Computer Organ.

Room 107, 201, 307

Primarily used as classroom spaces, these rooms host full audio/visual systems for in-class critical listening activities. In addition, Room 107 houses a Schlicker organ. Room 307 is the largest of the three and also features an integrated Smartboard, as well as a Steinway Model L grand piano.

Teaching Studios

Several of the teaching studios in our building are designed to be specific to larger, less portable instruments including piano, bass, harp, percussion, and organ, as well as a jazz studio equipped with a drumset, baby grand piano, guitar/bass amps, and a digital piano/synth workstation that is used for private instruction and small combo rehearsals.

As a student of the Mary Pappert School of Music, you will have access to over 60 practice/rehearsal spaces throughout the building. These spaces are equipped with amenities including Steinway pianos, full-length mirrors, and music stands. Large ensemble rooms and classrooms are also available by request.

Standard Practice Room

Piano Major Practice Rooms

If your applied instrument is piano, you will be granted access to a suite of practice rooms equipped with Steinway baby grand pianos. In addition, one of the piano major practice rooms includes two pianos. The piano practice rooms often double as rehearsal spaces for accompanied instrumental or vocal works. Accompanists and students in the collaborative piano program often use these spaces to prepare for student recitals.

Matty and Eddie Shiner Practice Rooms

On the lowest level of the Mary Pappert School of Music, there is a suite of acoustically-enhanced practice rooms that are larger than standard practice rooms, allowing you to conduct small group rehearsals. These rooms are equipped with Steinway upright pianos and were renovated through the generous gifts of donors who wished to preserve the memory of Matty and Eddie Shiner, renowned trumpet and trombone artists who taught thousands of Duquesne brass students over their years of service.

Recording Complex

The Recording Complex, a fully-equipped, industry-leading recording studio is comprised of four acoustically isolated rooms-a tracking room, vocal isolation room, piano isolation room, and control room. Located on the same floor as the PNC Recital Hall, the two rooms can be connected to provide larger-scale recording capabilities to the primary performance hall in the school.

Control Room (Room 110)

A Solid State Logic AWS 948 recording console is the centerpiece of the control room and brings together the best of both analog and digital realms. Supported by an Avid 32-channel interface, you can use ProTools and Logic for digital recording, or you can experience a more retro recording process using the Otari Mx5050 4 track or Amex ATR100 tape recorders. A full complement of outboard gear, as well as a complete microphone locker helps you to explore your sonic ideas. PMC studio monitors complete the Recording Complex's listening experience.

Piano and Vocal Isolation Rooms (Room 109A)

In addition to housing one of our two Production Suites, the Piano Isolation Room features a concert grand piano. In combination with the adjacent Vocal Isolation Room, the Recording Complex can accommodate any number of instruments and/or vocalists that need to be isolated during tracking.

Tracking Room (Room 109)

Equipment Locker (Room 109)

The tracking room is well-suited in size to record a jazz band or rock ensemble and is outfitted with all the amplifiers, synthesizers, pedalboards, and processors that you would find in any first-class studio setting.

Production Suite (Room 102)

Also associated with the Recording Complex are two Production Suites-Production Suite A (Room 102) and Production Suite B (Room 109A)-designed for you to track, edit, and mix audio, or input MIDI using ProTools, Logic, Finale, and other software and plugins. Supported by East West Orchestra and Mach 5, you will be able to sonically realize your compositions and arrangements before you even take them into the studio. These rooms function very much as a "home studio" setting for personal exploration.

Sample Equipment Profiles

(for a full list of equipment, or more details, please contact Thomas Kikta, Chair of Commercial Music, Media, and Jazz)

Mixing Console
Solid State Logic AWS 948 - 48x8x2 recording console

Recording software
AVID ProTools HDX - with HD I/O 16x16 (x2), Logic Pro X

Tape Machines
Ampex ATR 100, Otari MTR 10, Otari MX5050

Outboard gear
API 527, Neve 543, Neve 517(x2), Chameleon Labs 7802, Chameleon Labs 7720, DBX Project 1 (x2), DBX 560A (X2), DBX 131 EQ, TC Electronics M-1, TC Electronics M2000, Yamaha SPX990, Sony R7

Monitoring
PMC twotwo.6 nearfield monitors, Mymix headphone mixing system

Featured instruments
Mellotron, Pearl Masters drum set

William M. Schrecengost Memorial Mastering Suite

The William M. Schrecengost Memorial Mastering Suite is a floated and acoustically isolated room that provides a critical listening environment for you to mix and master your recording projects. Supported with Mark Levinson and McIntosh stereo monitoring, as well as JBL 5.1 Surround Sound, the suite assists you in achieving the perfect mix for your audio, video, or film productions.

Like the Recording Complex, the mastering suite is equipped with an Avid 32-channel interface, ProTools and Logic for digital mixing, and Sequoia for digital mastering. A Solid State Logic Fusion provides analog mastering capabilities and Precision microphone preamps are available when the room is needed for sound stage recording support.

Sample Equipment Profiles

Control Surface
AVID - S1 (x2)

Recording Software
AVID ProTools HDX- with HD I/O 16x16 (x2), Logic Pro X, Samplitude, Sequoia

Converters
Lynx AES16, Lucid D/A converter, AVID HD I/O 16x16 (x2)

Monitoring
Dangerous Music SR monitor controller, JBL LSR 4328P surround monitor system, Mcintosh far field speakers, Mark Levinston 23.5 power amp, Mymix headphone mixing system

Outboard Gear
A large assortment of outboard gear is available. Primary brands include True, SSL, TC electronics, Tascam, Sony, Rane, Yamaha, Lexicon, and DBX.

Music Technology Labs

Music Technology Center (Room 218)

The Music Technology Center houses 16 workstations (and one teacher station) that enable you to work on any of the software that is utilized in your coursework. This list includes the Adobe Creative Suite, Finale, Pro Tools, Reason, Ableton Live, Logic, Final Cut, iMovie, Garage Band, and the Microsoft Office Suite.

Each station is also equipped with a Novation SL61 MKII Keyboard Control, a ZOOM TAC-2 Thunderbolt Audio Interface, and a Korg GEC Lab Conferencing System.

When the Music Technology Center is not in use for classes, it is available to you as a general computer/keyboard lab.

Keyboard Lab (Room 209)

Like the Music Technology Center, the Keyboard Lab is equipped with 16 workstations and one teacher station, each featuring a Roland HP503 full-size digital piano with weighted keys, a 21.5" iMac with Finale and Microsoft Office Suite installed, and a Roland GLC-1 Lab Conferencing System.

The Keyboard lab is used for group piano lessons, music technology classes, and as a general computer/keyboard lab.

More About Music Tech

Music Education Students have access to several resource centers and storage areas.

Music Education Instrument Storage Room

The Music Education Instrument Storage Room, along with a variety of cabinets throughout the building, features an extensive collection of percussion, woodwind, string, brass, general music, and Modern Band instruments for use in methods and techniques courses. The collection also includes acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards, a full Orff instrumentarium, sheet music, methods books, movement materials, early childhood manipulatives, and sound equipment, all housed on shelves from the Wenger Corporation. The collection is updated regularly to reflect the most up-to-date innovations in PreK-12 music classrooms.

Maureen P. Sullivan Curriculum Center

The Curriculum Center is a collection of PreK-12 educational resources designed to support Duquesne students in education-focused degree programs. Resources include PreK-12 textbooks for all subject areas, children’s and young adult literature, big books, storytelling kits, curriculum and lesson planning resources, puppets, manipulatives, and games. Additional resources and services include an Ellison die cut press system, a touch-screen flat panel technology system, and computers.

The materials within the Curriculum Center are particularly helpful to Music Education students as they plan teaching demonstrations for methods classes, field experiences in public school music classrooms, and student teaching. The collection of music-related books, manipulatives, and supplementary materials is consistently updated, and Music Education students can request materials to be purchased for the collection. Additional services and materials available for a small fee within the Curriculum Center include laminating, binding, bulletin board paper, glue sticks, and markers.

Upon verification of alumni status and registration in the library’s user database, alumni are welcome to use the Curriculum Center materials and services. This is particularly helpful to practicing public school music teachers in the Pittsburgh region and beyond.

For more information about the Maureen P. Sullivan Curriculum Center, visit its page on the Gumberg Library’s website.

Mary Pappert School of Music Main Office

The main office of the MPSOM serves as a central hub for students, faculty, and staff. From general copy/print services to mail, locker rental, office supplies, and general guidance, the office staff are here to help you.

Mary Jane Schultz Music Center

The Mary Jane Schultz Music Center provides you with an ever-expanding resource of music and music-related research materials. Located on the fifth floor of Duquesne University's Gumberg Library, this collection of music resources comprises an extensive collection of musical scores and DVD/CDs, online research databases, and a wealth of archival materials, such as our unique collection of the papers and personal belongings of the composer Paul Hindemith.

The late William Schultz, former Duquesne student and Fender Guitar executive, and his wife Mary Jane Schultz made significant financial contributions to the Mary Pappert School of Music, funding noteworthy improvements to the music school's building and helping us establish the Mary Jane Schultz Music Center.

Instrumental Ensemble Library

The Instrumental Ensemble library serves Duquesne's large ensembles by procuring and distributing music for rehearsals and concerts. The library houses an impressive collection of wind band and orchestral works in addition to a growing collection of large chamber works. 

There are many places in our building for you to relax and meet other students. Upon entering any of the three main entrances to our building, you're met with warm, welcoming, living room-style areas complete with couches, chairs, and tables for you to use in downtime between rehearsals and classes or on a practice break.

In addition, the second floor of the music building features a student lounge, equipped with plenty of tables, desk space, power outlets to recharge your devices, and vending machines to grab a quick snack.