What's the best way to go about selecting a musician?

When reviewing profiles, be sure to consider the venue parameters and limitations as well as desired outcomes. How many people are attending? Is the performance indoors? What kind of mood is being cast? For many situations, a soloist is sufficient or at least a great place to start, and they can often provide advice and feedback regarding any additional needs or considerations for the event. Musicians are expected to proactively discuss and confirm all logistical details directly with the hiring party. 

All musicians listed are independent artists who have the right to set their own performance rates. Factors such as travel time, setup, and complixity of the music being performed can influence rate negotiation between the musician (or group) and the event organizer (or venue). Musicians are free to accept or decline any paid performance opportunity. 

Musicians List

Our Hire-a-Musician program at Duquesne features current music students and alumni. Preview musician profiles and contact performers for your event right here!

Expand the sections below to review musician profiles. Each sections contains a list of approved musicians along with information about their artistic background, travel radius, and musical style as well as links to preview their music media. Contact musicians directly from their profile listing. It's that easy!


NOTICE:

The Mary Pappert School of Music does not coordinate, negotiate, or guarantee rates or compensation for any performance engagements arranged through this program. Additionally, the School of Music and the university are not involved in issuing or collecting payment and assume no responsibility for financial disputes or non-payment.
  • Lynea Csefalvay (Soprano) - Lynea Csefalvay is a soprano who received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Vocal Performance from Duquesne University. Credits include Polissena (Radamisto), Dalinda (Ariodante), Mrs. Gobineau (The Medium), First Lady (Magic Flute), Pretteia (Thespis), Mother (Amahl and the Night Visitors), Servilia (La Clemenza di Tito), and Frasquita (Carmen). She has experience performing both nationally in the U.S. and internationally in Europe. A frequent performer in the local Pittsburgh area, she has performed for the Butler County Symphony Orchestra Summer Concert series, Pittsburgh Savoyards, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Divine Mercy Parish, St. Aidan Parish, and more. She is also passionate about educating the next generation of musicians. While she specializes in classical music, she has experience singing and teaching other genres such as musical theater and pop. Her teaching philosophy is based in having a healthy technique that can be applied to any genre of music.
Artist Location: Evans City, PA 16033
Travel Radius: 50 miles
Preferred Genres: Jazz, classical, pop, Brazilian Jazz
Event Settings: weddings, graduations, parties and celebrations, and church services.

  • Giulia Galante Golinelli (Soprano) - Giulia Galante is a 24-year old singer and educator who graduated with a Bachelor’s in Voice Performance from Duquesne University. She studied classical vocal technique throughout her four years at Duquesne, but she also sings in several different styles, such as samba, bossa nova, pop, and jazz. She has received the encouragement award from the Marguerite Dougherty competition, and she was the recipient of the undergraduate winner award of the same competition. Giulia was a member of the choir Voices of Spirit at Mary Pappert School of Music, singing as a first soprano, as well as a soloist.  As a teacher and educator, Giulia worked at The Woodlands Foundation Summer Camp as an assistant vocal coach for kids and adults with special needs. She also worked with the Latin Community Center in Pittsburgh leading group classes where she taught vocal technique and worked on a wide range of repertoire with the students. Currently, Giulia is pursuing her Artist Diploma in Jazz and Classical at Duquesne University, and she is also a vocal coach and instructor throughout the Pittsburgh area.
Artist Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15216
Travel Radius: 25 miles
Preferred Genres: jazz (Brazilian), classical, pop.
Event Settings: weddings, graduations, parties and celebrations, and church services.

  • Monsi Briceno Mezquita (Soprano) - Montserrat Briceno Mezquita is a passionate and versatile Spanish flutist, singer, and multi-instrumentalist currently working toward her Artist Diploma at Duquesne University with Professor Jennifer Steele. She has performed across Europe and the U.S. in orchestras, chamber groups, folk ensembles, and as a soloist. Montserrat is also a touring member of The Tamburitzans, where she plays flute, violin, and sings. In addition to her classical and folk work, she is a founding member of Mayeya, a Latin fusion band that performs lively and colorful Latin-style covers of well-known American pop and rock songs. With a vibrant sound and multicultural spirit, Mayeya brings high energy and a fresh take on familiar favorites to concerts, festivals, and private events. Montserrat also enjoys sharing music at celebrations, community gatherings, and worship services. She sings in Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese, bringing warmth, expression, and authenticity to every performance.
    Artist Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15213
    Travel Radius: 50 miles
    Preferred Genres: Classical, Rock, Pop, Latin
    Event Settings: special events, weddings, parties and celebrations
    Listen to Monsi Perform | Contact Monsi

  • Sydney Kaczorowski (Soprano) - Sydney Kaczorowski is a regionally recognizable soprano. She sings many concerts, recitals, and worship services every year, is the Director of Musical Philanthropy at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, and is a staff member of the musicianship department at Duquesne University.
    Artist Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15217
    Travel Radius: 25 miles
    Preferred Genres: Opera, classical voice
    Event Settings: wedding/funeral services, national anthem
    Listen to Sydney Perform | Contact Sydney

  • Noah Pepmeyer (Tenor) - Noah has been an established freelance wedding singer, acoustic songwriter, and jazz band leader in the Pittsburgh area for the past 8 years. He is versatile, professional, and joyfully energetic in his performances and looks forward to making music for everyone he works with!
    Artist Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15202
    Travel Radius: 50 miles
    Preferred Genres: Jazz, Classical, Pop, Funk, Acoustic, Easy Listening
    Event Settings: Weddings, Parties/Celebrations, Fundraisers, Concerts, Catholic Masses
    Listen to Noah Perform | Contact Noah
  • Fernando Almeida (Double Bass) - Fernando is a professional double bass artist with large experience out of USA in performances in different countries like Germany, China, Brazil, Venezuela. All the performances with professional orchestras.
    Artist Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15219
    Travel Radius: 250+ miles
    Preferred Genres:  classical music, electric bass, open to all styles
    Event Settings: open to all
    Listen to Fernando Perform | Contact Fernando

  • Monsi Briceno Mezquita (Flute, Violin) - Montserrat Briceno Mezquita is a passionate and versatile Spanish flutist, singer, and multi-instrumentalist currently working toward her Artist Diploma at Duquesne University with Professor Jennifer Steele. She has performed across Europe and the U.S. in orchestras, chamber groups, folk ensembles, and as a soloist. Montserrat is also a touring member of The Tamburitzans, where she plays flute, violin, and sings. In addition to her classical and folk work, she is a founding member of Mayeya, a Latin fusion band that performs lively and colorful Latin-style covers of well-known American pop and rock songs. With a vibrant sound and multicultural spirit, Mayeya brings high energy and a fresh take on familiar favorites to concerts, festivals, and private events. Montserrat also enjoys sharing music at celebrations, community gatherings, and worship services. She sings in Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese, bringing warmth, expression, and authenticity to every performance.
Artist Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Travel Radius: 50 miles
Preferred Genres: Classical, Rock, Pop, Latin
Event Settings: special events, weddings, parties and celebrations
Listen to Monsi Perform | Contact Monsi

  • Ian Brown (Jazz Piano, Organ, Collaborative Piano) - Ian Michael Brown is a pianist, keyboardist, and organist from Grove City, Pennsylvania.  Ian is a passionate jazz composer and musician who recently released his first album, “The Beauty of Not Knowing” containing ten original jazz fusion tunes taking inspiration from some of Ian’s favorite musicians.  Currently, Ian is working in Pittsburgh, PA as a pianist, music director and organist at Divine Mercy Parish, a music teacher at The Saint Constantine School, an adjunct professor of music at Franciscan University of Steubenville, and and composer. Ian began his collegiate music studies at Lebanon Valley College located in central Pennsylvania.  He studied both Jazz and Classical under Dr. Eric Fung, Prof. Tim Wolfe, Jr., and Prof. Josh Tindal.  After he graduated from LVC Ian began working as a keyboardist for Carnival Cruiselines. During his time at Carnival Ian performed in piano/vocal duos, jazz trios & quartets, and dance (rock) bands.  In addition to his music responsibilities Ian was a music manager as well.  Ian spent his time on board listening to musicians such as Bill Evans, Esbjorn Svensson (E.S.T), Chris Potter, and Pat Metheny, studying and practicing, and writing music.  It was on the ship that Ian met two like minded musicians and set out to record his debut album.  Once off of the ship, Ian and his fellow musicians went into the Church recording studio in Pittsburgh, PA and recorded "The Beauty of Not Knowing."
Artist Location: Wexford, PA 15090
Travel Radius: 50 miles
Preferred Genres: Classical, Jazz 
Event Settings: wedding receptions, celebrations, dinner music, cocktail hours
Listen to Ian Perform | Contact Ian

  • Chris Catone (Piano) - Pianist, composer, music director and producer from Pittsburgh, PA.  Over 25 years of professional experience. Duquesne University Alumni.
Artist Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15218
Travel Radius: 25 miles
Preferred Genres: classical, jazz, rock, pop
Event Settings: weddings, parties, graduations, etc.
Listen to Chris Perform | Contact Chris

  • Dylan Evers (Oboe) - Dylan Evers is a dedicated educator of applied music and performer in the Midwest, and specifically, the greater Pittsburgh area. Considered a musician of great versatility, he plays and teaches many instruments that allow for a wide range of exploration, diversity, and imagination amongst many of his projects. Currently, he has served on adjunct faculty at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA since 2019. A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Mr. Evers grew up loving and playing many musical instruments, where he participated in select youth ensembles, and eventually state competitions for orchestra, concert band, and solo works, with opportunities to play with members of the Omaha Symphony.  Upon leaving Nebraska in 2012, Mr. Evers went on to complete his B.A. in Oboe Performance in 2016 from the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music in the suburbs of Chicago.  There, he studied the oboe and English horn playing influences of Ray Still and Grover Schiltz under the direction of Metropolis Oboe Quartet and Rendezvous Arts founder, oboist Deb Stevenson. During this time, Dylan was a freelance artist and performed solo pieces, chamber works, operas, and symphonies, with the opportunity to play under the baton of world renowned Grammy Award-winning conductor, John Nelson. Additionally, he was a new music recording artist for many composers from the Chicagoland area, including international multimedia and Hollywood composer, Elliot Leung. Not only did Dylan perform in Illinois, but notably in southern California on tour at the prestigious center for culture and art, the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, home to the Pacific Symphony. During that same period, Dylan was appointed principal oboist of the Classical Symphony Orchestra of Chicago and principal oboist of the Wheaton Municipal Band’s summer season of 2016. Mr. Evers received his M.M. in Oboe Performance in 2018 from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, where he studied with former Pittsburgh Symphony Second Oboist, Scott Bell. Along with teaching at the higher education level, Dylan currently maintains a studio of woodwind and piano students from all ages he teaches privately.  He also remains an active freelance musician in the area, performing with groups such as The Butler County Symphony Orchestra, Erie Philharmonic, The Pittsburgh Philharmonic, and the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra to name a few. Additionally, he has performed in pit orchestras for shows such as Beauty and the Beast, Les Miserables, Grand Hotel, Singin' in the Rain, and West Side Story.
Artist Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Travel Radius: 25 miles
Preferred Genres: classical, orchestral
Event Settings: weddings, religious events
Contact Dylan

  • Taine Garcia Olea (Viola, Violin) - Young violist and violinist player and teacher for both instrumentsVery musical, creative and focused on working on essential musical aspects such as correct posture, technique, domain of the program of both instruments and correct interpretation based on the different styles and musical movements. Adaptable to every kind of student, with experience teaching violin and viola (all levels), music history and music theory (elemental and medium level).
Artist Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Travel Radius: 10 miles
Preferred Genres: classic and contemporary, popular music, and Latin American
Event Settings: weddings, graduations, churches, bars, children's events, birthday parties, etc.
Listen to Taine Perform | Contact Taine

  • Zachary Hommel (Trumpet) - Zachary Hommel is a classically trained trumpeter with experience in orchestral, wind ensemble, solo, and chamber settings. A native of Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY, Zachary recently earned his Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance from Northwestern University, primarily studying with former principal trumpet of the Philadelphia Orchestra, David Bilger. His previous teachers also include Michael Sachs, Thomas Rolfs, and David Baldwin. He will begin his Master of Music in Trumpet Performance at Duquesne University in Fall 2025, studying with Micah Wilkinson, principal trumpet of the Pittsburgh Symphony. Zachary has attended a variety of summer music festivals, including the Music Academy of the West, the Aspen Music Festival and School, and the Chautauqua Institution. Additionally, he has held leading positions with numerous Northwestern groups, including their Symphony and Chamber orchestras, as well as their Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Contemporary Ensemble, and brass quintet chamber program. In addition to his classical background, Zachary has studied commercial and jazz styles with New York City-based trumpeters Brad Mason and Alphonso Horne, lending him versatility across a range of musical settings. An experienced educator and professional, Zachary has worked as a trumpet teacher and ensemble stage manager, remaining dedicated to both performance and collaboration in all his musical endeavors.
Artist Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15216
Travel Radius: 250 miles
Preferred Genres: classic and contemporary, popular music, and Latin American
Event Settings: weddings, graduations, churches, bars, children's events, birthday parties, etc.
Listen to Zachary Perform | Contact Zachary

  • Jack McLaughlin (Jazz Guitar) - Solo jazz guitarist/singer/song writer
Artist Location: Springdale, PA 15144
Travel Radius: 50 miles
Preferred Genres: Pop, jazz, country, rock, Latin, original
Event Settings: contact for more information
Listen to Jack Perform | Contact Jack


  • Natalia Mesa (Clarinet) - Natalia Cristina Mesa Pérez, born on April 26, 2002, in La Habana, Cuba, but raised in Colombia, is a distinguished clarinetist recognized for her expressive artistry, technical brilliance, and deep musical sensitivity. She began her musical journey at the age of four under the mentorship of Maryuli Hernández and later continued her studies with clarinetist Andrés Ramírez Villarraga. In 2023, she earned her degree from the University of Cauca, Colombia, where she studied with Magliony Márquez and graduated with honors, receiving both an academic excellence medal and an award-winning thesis. Currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Clarinet Performance at Duquesne University in the United States, Natalia studies under the tutelage of clarinetist Ronald Samuels. Her dedication to her craft and commitment to artistic growth have been consistently recognized through numerous accolades and performances. Natalia has been a featured soloist and active participant in major music festivals across the Americas, including CLARIBOGOTÁ, CLARIEAFIT, CLARISAX, Bassax, FEMUSC (Brazil), Chicago Clarinet Symposium, the Chamber Music Festival of Popayán, II Encuentro Regional de Clarinete Ciudad Blanca and the International Wind Symphony Band Festival in Puebla, Mexico. Throughout her career, Natalia has enriched her musical growth through masterclasses with world-renowned artists such as Wenzel Fuchs, Laura Ruiz Ferreres, Henri Bok, Burt Hara, David Gould, Mimi Jung, and many others. Her passion for contemporary repertoire and new artistic ideas continually shapes her identity as a modern clarinetist.
Artist Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Travel Radius: 50 miles
Preferred Genres: Classical, Romantic and Contemporary Repertoire
Event Settings: can play both as a soloist, in chamber groups and orchestras
Listen to Natalia Perform | Contact Natalia

  • Olivia Nixon (Trombone, Bass, Trombone, Tenor) - Trombonist Olivia Nixon is a passionate performer and dedicated educator whose music is rooted in authenticity, expression, and connection. Currently pursuing her graduate studies at Duquesne University’s Mary Pappert School of Music, Olivia serves as a Graduate Assistant to the Dean of the Music Education Department, Dr. Rachel Whitcomb, as well as General Music Methods Professor Shawn Funk. She also supports the School of Music Office as an administrative assistant to Karyn Reinhart. A 2025 graduate of West Virginia University’s School of Music, Olivia earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education while simultaneously establishing herself as a versatile and in-demand performer. Her performance career extends beyond the collegiate stage into the professional orchestral and chamber music scenes. She regularly appears with ensembles such as the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, River City Brass Band, and the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra. Her experience also includes featured solo performances, including finalist appearances at both WVU’s 2024 Young Artist Concerto Competition and the 2024 Keynotes Concerto Scholarship Competition. Olivia’s love for music knows no boundaries—she has lent her artistry to musical theater productions (Anything Goes, Wizard of Oz, Curtains, Sweet Charity, Cabaret), sacred music settings, chamber music, jazz combos, and even cocktail hour performances. A highlight of her work includes a featured role on CJ Rhen’s debut album, CJ Time. Whether on stage or in the studio, Olivia brings a heartfelt and intentional voice to every performance. As an educator, Olivia is equally committed to sharing music in meaningful and accessible ways. She believes deeply in the power of music to connect people of all ages and walks of life. Starting in Fall 2025, she will join the faculty at the River City School of Brass as their Woodwind Coordinator. She continues to shape the next generation of musicians through private instruction and ensemble direction, including British Brass Bands and jazz ensembles. Her teaching experience is extensive and impactful: she has served as the Low Brass Instructor for the Canon-McMillan Big Mac Marching Band (2024 & 2025), Brass Instructor for the Morgantown Community Orchestra (2023 & 2024), Low Brass Instructor for WVU’s Community Music Program (2023–2025), Brass Ensemble Director for WVU’s Community Music Program (Spring 2024), and Studio Brass & Piano Instructor at Nells Bells in Morgantown, WV. Olivia Nixon’s journey is defined by purpose and passion. Whether on stage or in the classroom, she makes music with heart—committed to excellence, expression, and making music accessible for all.
Artist Location: Canonsburg, PA 15317
Travel Radius: 50 miles
Preferred Genres: classical, jazz, big band, studio recording sessions, funk, pop, musicals, opera, chamber music, brass ensemble, brass quintet/quartet
Event Settings: concert halls, weddings, graduations, parties, clubs, restaurants, celebrations, funerals, recording sessions, private events, church services, theatre
Listen to Olivia Perform | Contact Olivia

  • Helga Scheibert (Jazz Piano, Piano, collaborative) - Dr. Helga Scheibert began her musical training at the High School of Arts in Targu Mures, Transylvania at age 7. She has experience performing with orchestras both as a soloist and collaborator. She has performed several solo and chamber recitals in the U.S. and in Europe and had performances broadcast on Romanian National Radio, West Virginia Public Radio. She is the winner of numerous piano auditions and competitions including Duquesne University Concerto Competition, Intersection of Classical and Jazz Piano Competition, Pittsburgh Concert Society. She holds a Bachelor in Piano Performance from Gheorghe Dima Music Academy (Romania), Artist Diploma and Masters from Duquesne University (Pittsburgh), and a Doctorate in Piano Performance from West Virginia University (Morgantown). Currently she serves as faculty at Carnegie Mellon
    Preparatory School, and she is accompanist at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. She enjoys composing, improvising, and experimenting with classical, jazz, folk, and modern music. Since 2020, she released two albums with her own compositions for piano and keyboard, called Space Christmas, and Mirror Image. For more info please visit helgapiano.com.
Artist Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Travel Radius: 25 miles
Preferred Genres: classical, jazz, rock, blues
Event Settings: weddings, graduations, parties, celebrations etc.
Listen to Helga Perform | Contact Helga

  • Nathanael Turner (Violin) - Nathanael Turner is currently pursuing an Artist Diploma at Duquesne University where he studies with Charles and Rachel Stegeman. Born and raised in the Pittsburgh Area, Nathanael began playing the violin at the age of 10. He earned a Bachelor of Music in violin performance from West Virginia University and a Master of Music from Duquesne. He performs with many orchestras throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, performed with Sunflower Music Festival’s Blanche Bryden Collegiate Chamber Music Institute, and has spent three summers as a member of the AIMS in Graz festival orchestra.
Artist Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Travel Radius: 100 miles
Preferred Genres: classical
  • Ross Antonich Trio (Chamber Group) - Ross is a jazz drummer and alumni of MPSOM!
Artist Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Travel Radius: 5 miles
Preferred Genres: Jazz, Bossa Nova, Blues
Event Settings: contact for more information
Listen to Ross Antonich Trio Perform | Contact Ross Antonich Trio