A Competitive Edge for a Creative Field

At the Mary Pappert School of Music, you are challenged to connect historical practices with modern methods, blend the traditional with current technology, and explore your artistry, creativity, and ingenuity to the fullest extent.

Whether you're interested in Music EducationPerformanceMusic TechnologyMusic TherapyCompositionJazz, or Music Ministry, we have the faculty and resources to prepare you for a successful and fulfilling career in music and beyond.

And, regardless of your chosen degree path, you will continue to hone your performing skills with individualized instruction from our world-class faculty.

It's time for bigger goals!

Mission Statement

The Mary Pappert School of Music provides musical education that connects the broad spectrum of historical and current practices; and in promoting the relationship between theory and practice, prepares professionals who will be the leaders in the musical culture of the 21st century.

You Belong Here.

The Mary Pappert School of Music (MPSOM) believes in the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). In everything we do, we aim to promote the integration of DEI into all operations of our school, increase cultural awareness and responsibility, develop strategies to address disparities and respond to the changing needs of the diverse MPSOM community while creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive culture of belonging.

Interested in music, but unsure of the best path forward?

Compose your own musical journey and explore multiple areas of interest through the Discover Music program! Work one-on-one with your Student Success Coach to map out your path to graduation while playing in ensembles and making music.

 

Why Study Music at Duquesne?

 
A private trumpet instructor teaches a lesson.

Our GRAMMY Award-winning faculty work with you one-on-one.

As a student at the Mary Pappert School of Music, you study with professors internationally acclaimed in their fields including members of the GRAMMY Award-winning Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. With a 4-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, you're certain to receive the personal attention necessary to truly perfect your talents, whether your career aspirations are to be in front of an audience, in the recording studio, or in a classroom, church, or therapy setting.

Faculty & Staff
Trombonists performing.

Our flexible degrees & programs of study allow you to customize your own path.

At the Mary Pappert School of Music, you have a wide variety of horizon-expanding music programs to choose from at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Degrees & Programs of Study
Orchestra and choirs perform on stage.

Our award-winning ensembles provide unforgettable music-making experiences.

Duquesne's ensembles will provide you with the finest university-level performing experiences available, preparing you for your career as a professional musician.

Ensembles

Upcoming Events

A red and blue graphic featuring an opera hall.

Viva Italia! Italian Opera Scenes from Mozart to Verdi

Duquesne University Opera WorkshopDr. Nicole Jenkins, directorJoin us as we celebrate...

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  • Mary Pappert School of Music
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Blue graphic with white calendar and music note icons.

Student Recital: Ruth Sheyko, violin & Tabitha Sheyko, violin

From the studio of Rachel Stegeman.

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  • Mary Pappert School of Music
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Blue graphic with white calendar and music note icons.

Student Recital: Caio Da Silva, euphonium

From the studio of Dr. James Gourlay.

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Blue graphic with white calendar and music note icons.

Student Recital: Nicholas Todorov, tuba

From the studio of Dr. James Gourlay.

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Clarinettists perform.

Wind Ensembles

Dr. James Gourlay, Director of BandsFeaturingDavid Allen Wehr, pianoAdmission$10 Suggested...

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  • Charles J. Dougherty Ballroom, Power Center
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A person in red sits at a piano.

Master Class: Barbara Nissman, piano

“I have trouble articulating the difference between Nissman and other pianists....

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Concert Series & Admission

Music on the Bluff Series 
For over 20 years, David Allen Wehr has led this highly successful chamber music series featuring an all-star cast of local and internationally-known artists.

Uptown Jazz Series
Mike Tomaro leads this series of themed jazz chamber music concerts featuring the Duquesne jazz faculty septet. 

Student Ensemble Concert Series
Our school is home to a variety of large and small ensembles that perform music of all styles and genres. With nearly 60 ensemble concerts each academic year, there is something for everyone!

Student & Faculty Recital Series
Our students and faculty present over 100 recitals each year.

Master Class & Guest Artist Series
The MPSOM regularly brings guest artists to campus to share their knowledge and experience with our students through a combination of master classes and public performances.

Admission

With the exception of Music on the Bluff series concerts, most Mary Pappert School of Music events are either free admission or $10 general admission.

Connect With Us

Graphic with the words Tempo Monthly and musical notation.

Tempo Monthly is an email digest that is sent on the third Wednesday of each month, showcasing the work of our incredibly talented students, faculty, and alumni, as well as keeping you up-to-date with all the concerts and recitals we present.

24/7Internet Radio Station

The IEMMA Broadcast Network is the broadcast division of the Mary Pappert School of Music's Institute of Entertainment, Music and Media Arts (IEMMA) and is dedicated to providing quality programming, recorded and performed by the Mary Pappert School of Music community.

Violinist performing

YouTube Channel

The Mary Pappert School of Music archives some of its performances on YouTube. Check out these fantastic videos featuring our incredibly talented students, faculty, and internationally-known guest artists.

 

Follow Us on Social Media

 

 

Contact Us

No matter what your musical interest, we have the faculty and resources to prepare you for a successful and fulfilling career in music and beyond.

Mary Pappert School of Music

600 Forbes Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15282

 

Voices of Spirit: Duquesne Choir Invited to National Conference

Voices of Spirit, the University’s chamber and touring choir, has been invited to perform at the prestigious College Music Society Showcase Concert in conjunction with the Society’s 67th national conference in Washington, D.C.

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Alumnus’ Short Film Premieres, Finalist at Festival

A new film from the mind of alumnus John Rokosz (B.M. Music Technology, 2004), Grandpa and Shorty, had an exclusive premiere at the Oaks Theater in Oakmont, PA on July 20 to a standing-room only crowd.

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New Music on the Bluff Series Celebrates Faculty Favorites

When considering this year’s Music on the Bluff Series, Dean David Allen Wehr remembered the success from 2019-2022, where the musical agendas were informed by the wish list of polled audience members.

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MPSOM in the Community

A student and a professor perform at a piano.

City Music Center

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.

A person plays violin.

Hire a Musician

Duquesne University has many talented student and alumni musicians who can be hired for events such as weddings, worship services, receptions, dinners, business events, and concerts.

Group shot of alumni at a Homecoming event.

Music Alumni

At the Mary Pappert School of Music, we are immensely proud of our ever-growing alumni community. After graduation, we continue to assist our alumni in various ways.

Duquesne - Pittsburgh Connection

On a Friday night, after class, you can go with your friends and hear the Pittsburgh Symphony and it's only a short walk away. You get to see your teachers and the other faculty that you work with throughout the week—now it's your turn to watch them do their thing.

Emily RickardM.M. Performance, 2019

As one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic performance spaces, Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland possesses a rich history of famous artists who have graced its stage.  From the Pittsburgh Symphony to groups like the Juilliard Quartet, the Duquesne Symphony Orchestra calls this space home, capitalizing on the rich, vibrant acoustics and architectural beauty of this renowned concert hall.

Daniel MeyerDirector of Orchestral Activities

For jazz musicians, there’s no better experience than to get out and make music in a real gig situation, especially when you get to play next to your teacher or mentor. Pittsburgh has no shortage of opportunities for musicians, so I want to get our students out there gigging now so they can make the most of their time here at Duquesne.

Jeff BushAssistant Program Director of Jazz Studies

Health, Wellness, and Safety for Musicians

Duquesne University and the Mary Pappert School of Music are committed to education of the mind, heart and spirit of each student. We understand that physical health and safety play a large role in that commitment, and as such, the following document outlines recommendations specifically for musicians and their wellbeing.

We care about your health and wellbeing and have various resources available for you and all of our students!