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.
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
Music on the Mount: My Funny Valentine
Jazz Chamber Group
Jeff Bush, coach
Admission
Free
The Dean's List - Concert IV: Prokofieff Plus
Pre-concert Discussion with Barbara Nissman at 7:00 p.m.
Audition Day
Choose between online or in-person format. When you're ready, register to audition on your applicant portal using the form “Schedule my Music Audition”.
The goal of the audition process is to provide faculty evaluators with a clear picture of your performance ability and level of artistry. We also w
Duquesne Choirs At Home
Voices of Spirit & Pappert Chorale
Caron Daley, Director of Choral Activities
Admission
$10 Suggested Donation (at the door)
Join the Duquesne Choirs for a student-curated program of works representing sacred, folk, gospel, and contemporary choral traditions!
Repertoire
A Silence Haunts Me - Jake Runestad
Master Class: Shirley S. Yoo, piano
Heralded by the Washington Post as a pianist with “extraordinary sensitivity and technical skill,” Shirley Yoo has performed internationally at venues such as the Tata Theatre, Mumbai; Arts Center, Seoul; Penderecki Festival, Banff; Societa Filarmonica, Trento; and Steinway Hall, London. Her numerou
Master Class: Marianne Cornetti, mezzo-soprano
Marianne Cornetti is internationally recognized as one of the leading Verdi mezzo-sopranos of her generation. She has appeared as Amneris in Aida, Azucena in Il Trovatore, Lady Macbeth in Macbeth, and Princess Eboli in Don Carlos at prestigious opera houses across the world, garnering rave reviews a
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
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
A Melody of Passion, Purpose and Growth
For a student born nearly four decades after the Beatles first topped the charts in the U.S., Catherine Startup has seen firsthand the profound impact music can have on both physical and mental well-being.
Duquesne to Celebrate PSO’s Maestro Manfred Honeck with Prestigious Honorary Degree
Duquesne will recognize Maestro Manfred Honeck, esteemed music director of the GRAMMY Award-winning Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO), with an honorary degree presented on the University’s campus on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at the Duquesne Symphony Orchestra concert in the Power Center Ballroom. University President Ken Gormley will award the degree to Honeck, a celebrated conductor who has led the PSO since 2008.
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.
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.