The Mary Pappert School of Music (MPSOM) believes in the principles of Community
Building and Engagement (CBE). In everything we do, we aim to promote the integration
of CBE into all operations of our school, increase cultural awareness and responsibility,
develop strategies to address disparities and respond to the changing needs of the
MPSOM community while creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive culture of belonging.
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.
A Competitive Edge for a Creative Field
Whether you're interested in Music Education, Performance, Music Technology, Music Therapy, Composition, Jazz, 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.
Interested in music, but unsure of the best path forward?
Discover & Explore Music
Why Study Music at Duquesne?
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.
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.
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.
Upcoming Events
Community Drum Circle
The Community Drum Circle, hosted by the music therapy department and led in the fall by drum circle facilitator and music therapist Bob Miller, is a free event open to all community members.
Guest Artist Recital: Trio Eolian
Trio Eolian
Naomi Seidman, flute
Andreas Oeste, oboe
Melody Quah, piano
Master Class: Dr. Nanette Kaplan Solomon, piano
Nanette Kaplan Solomon, pianist and Professor Emerita of Music at Slippery Rock University, performs frequently as soloist and chamber musician. She was on the faculty of Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania from 1977-2014, where she coordinated the piano program, and taught music history, form
Music Admissions Overview
The Music Admissions Overview is open to prospective students (graduate and undergraduate) and their families. Join this interactive online session hosted by Dr. Thomas Carsecka (Assistant Dean of Music Admissions) to learn more about key music admission topics:
Duquesne Choirs
Voices of Spirit & Pappert Chorale
Dr. Caron Daley, Director of Choral Activities
Dr. Ethan Murphy, Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education
Music on the Mount: Brass Choir
Duquesne Brass Choir
Dr. James Gourlay, Director of Bands
Concert Series & Admission Information
Students and faculty of the Mary Pappert School of Music present over 200 annual concerts and recitals. Most events are either free or $10 suggested donation. With the exception of the Music on the Bluff series, anyone 17 years old and younger may attend any regular admission concert free of charge.
Music on the Bluff Series
Founded by Professor Emeritus Mike Tomaro, this series has traditionally featured some sort of common thread. In its first year, UJS consisted of a showcase of the finest jazz performers and groups in Pittsburgh. Beginning with the 2022–2023 season, the Uptown Jazz Series took on a more concert-by-concert thematic approach, with themes including the history of jazz, retrospective concerts on influential jazz artists, concerts featuring the works of local jazz legends, and explorations of the influences that various types of media has had on jazz.
Uptown Jazz Series
The Mary Pappert School of Music is proud to be the home of a very distinguished music faculty, many of whom are members of local professional music organizations including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Opera and Ballet Theater Orchestras, the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, and the River City Brass Band. Each year, the Mary Pappert School of Music presents several faculty recitals.
In addition, the vast majority of our students present recitals as part of their degree requirements each year. These recitals feature solo works, chamber works, and a wide variety of musical styles and genres.
Faculty & Student RecitalsAs a student at the Mary Pappert School of Music, you study with professors internationally acclaimed in their fields. Many of them, including those who are also members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, are GRAMMY Award-winning artists. Others have a variety of other distinguished awards and accolades to their names.
In addition to these fantastic musicians and teachers, you will have many opportunities to learn from some of the world's finest performers, composers, educators, and therapists.
Master Classes & Guest Artists
IEMMA Broadcast Network Live Stream Schedule
Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 7:30 p.m.
Duquesne Symphony Orchestra
Sunday, December 7, 2025, 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Christmas at Duquesne
Sunday, January 11, 2026, 3 p.m.
The Dean’s List, Concert II: Violin/Horn (2:30 pre-concert talk)
Sunday, February 1, 2026, 3 p.m.
The Dean’s List, Concert III: String Theory (2:30 pre-concert talk)
Sunday, February 22, 2026, 3 p.m.
The Dean’s List, Concert IV: Rachmaninoff Rules (2:30 pre-concert talk)
Friday, March 13, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
The Magic Flute
Duquesne Opera Workshop
Sunday, March 29, 2026, 3 p.m.
The Music of James Brown
Duquesne Jazz Ensembles
Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Voices of Spirit and Pappert Chorale
IEMMA Broadcast Network
The IEMMA Broadcast Network (IBN) is the video and radio simulcast division of the Mary Pappert School of Music's Institute of Entertainment, Music, and Media Arts (IEMMA) at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. The IBN provides both audio and video streaming. Our audio station plays recordings of our students, faculty, and alumni 24/7. In addition, we regularly present live video streams of select concerts throughout the academic year. All concerts listed will be streamed live on the IBN webpage.
Connect With Us
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.
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
News
Faculty Member Presents at Abbey Road Studios
Thomas Kikta was recently invited to be one of 25 audio educators from around the world to present at the historic Abbey Road Studios in London.
Bluff Series Returns for a Second Run at The Dean's List
The Mary Pappert School of Music opens the 24th season of its acclaimed Music on the Bluff series this weekend with a program celebrating the iconic works of Aaron Copland.
The Mary Pappert School of Music Welcomes New Faculty & Staff
The faculty and staff of Mary Pappert School of Music are at the heart of what makes our school such a special place for our students.
MPSOM in the Community
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Health, Wellness, and Safety for Musicians
We care about your health and wellbeing and have various resources available for you and all of our students!
Accreditation
Duquesne University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.