The Mary Pappert School of Music enthusiastically welcomes and values all students with previous musical experience to the music minor program. Within a dynamic course sequence, music minors receive one-on-one lessons on their instrument or voice-type, perform in ensembles, and take classes in music theory, history or technology that enrich their experience and develop expertise in music.

All prospective music minors are required to complete the instrumental/vocal music audition process to gain acceptance to the program. To schedule an audition, please call the Music Admissions office at (412) 396-5064.

The program consists of 15 credits, 7 of which are prescribed coursework and the remaining 8 designated for music electives. Details on available courses can be found below.

Requirements

15 credits

  • Transfer credits are not typically permitted for the Minor in Music. Exceptions require approval from the Associate Dean of the Mary Pappert School of Music. 

Required Courses in Music - 7 credits

  • MUSC 100 or MUSC 101 - Musicianship I (Written - Intensive) or Musicianship I (Written), 2 credits
    • Offered in fall semesters only
  • MUPF 157 - Group Piano I, 1 credit*
    • Offered in fall semesters only
  • Ensemble Courses, 2 credits
    • The following courses may be taken to fulfill the ensemble requirement. Unless otherwise noted, these ensembles require audition for placement. Contact the Chair of Performance or Chair of Open Music for information about placement auditions. Note to Student Success Coaches: please call for override for courses listed as restricted to Mary Pappert School of Music.

      • MUEN 107 - Brass Choir

      • MUEN 109 - Pep Band (no audition required)

      • MUEN 112 - Percussion Ensemble

      • MUEN 114 - Flute Choir

      • MUEN 115 - Trombone Choir

      • MUEN 116 - Jazz Guitar Ensemble

      • MUEN 117 - Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble

      • MUEN 118 - Recording Studio Ensemble

      • MUEN 120 - Classic Guitar Ensemble

      • MUEN 122 - Chamber Orchestra

      • MUEN 125 - Symphony Band

      • MUEN 130 - Wind Symphony

      • MUEN 132 - Orchestra

      • MUEN 134 - Jazz Ensemble

      • MUEN 135 - Jazz Workshop

      • MUEN 139 - Pappert Chorale

      • MUEN 143 - Voices of Spirit

      • MUEN 144 - Opera Workshop

      • MUEN 145 - Vocal Jazz Ensemble

  • Applied Lessons, 2 credits
    • Applied lessons consist of individual instruction on a specific instrument. Lessons typically take place weekly. Time and location are arranged individually between the student and the instructor. Students may request an instructor. Availability of specific instructors may be limited, depending on their teaching load and space availability in their studios. In some cases, a placement audition may be required.
      • MUAP 101 - Flute
      • MUAP 102 - Oboe
      • MUAP 103 - Clarinet
      • MUAP 104 - Bassoon
      • MUAP 105 - Saxophone
      • MUAP 107 - Trumpet
      • MUAP 108 - French Horn
      • MUAP 109 - Trombone
      • MUAP 110 - Euphonium
      • MUAP 111 - Tuba
      • MUAP 112 - Percussion
      • MUAP 113 - Violin
      • MUAP 114 - Viola
      • MUAP 115 - Cello
      • MUAP 116 - Double Bass
      • MUAP 118 - Organ
      • MUAP 119 - Piano
      • MUAP 120 - Voice
      • MUAP 121 - Classical Guitar
      • MUAP 122 - Bass Guitar
      • MUAP 123 - Harp
      • MUAP 124 - Jazz Piano
      • MUAP 126 - Jazz Voice
      • MUAP 130 - Jazz Guitar
      • MUAP 131 - Jazz Bass
      • MUAP 132 - Jazz Saxophone
      • MUAP 133 - Jazz Brass

Students in the Music Minor may also choose to take additional applied study beyond the two credits included in the program. In order to do so, students should register for applied study with the MUNA subject code and the corresponding course number for their specific instrument. Please note that a per-credit fee is assessed for any applied lessons beyond the two credits included in the program. Please refer to the tuition and fees page within the University Catalog.

*Previously completed MUED 157 or MUTH 157 credits can fulfill this requirement. Students should communicate with their faculty advisor and the Student Success Coach to confirm.

Music Elective Courses - 8 credits

MUSC 101 - Musicianship I Written (FA only) must be taken prior to any Music Elective Courses.

MUNM courses may not be used for the music minor. These courses are reserved for the Communication and Creative Expression requirement within the Bridges Curriculum.

Music Elective Courses may be satisfied by:

  • Additional semesters in Music Ensembles (see MUEN courses above)

  • Courses in Jazz/Improvisation (with the approval of the instructor)

    • MUJZ 131 - History of Jazz

    • MUJZ 223 - Jazz Improvisation I (FA only)

    • MUJZ 339 - Jazz Arranging I (FA only)

  • Courses in Music Technology (with approval of the instructor)

    • MUTK 101 - Technology for Musicians (FA only)

    • MUTK 115W - Music Technology I (SP only)

    • MUSR 101 - Audio Industry Techniques I (FA only)

    • MUSR 102 - Audio Industry Techniques II (SP only)

    • MUTK 306 - Composition I (FA only)

    • MUTK 307 - Composition II (SP only)

  • Additional courses in Music Performance (with approval of the instructor)

    • MUPF 113 - Eurhythmics for Performance (FA only)

    • MUPF 115 - Alexander Technique (SP only)

    • MUPF 142 - Acting Lab for Singers

    • MUPF 212 - Chamber Music–Strings

    • MUPF 214 - Chamber Music–Brass

    • MUPF 216 - Chamber Music–Woodwinds

    • MUPF 218 - Performance Development

    • MUPF 311 - Vocal Pedagogy (FA only; even years)

    • MUPF 440 - Survey of Opera History & Literature (FA only; odd years)

    • MUPF 441 - Musical Theatre Rep and Vocal Tech I (FA only; odd years)

    • MUPF 442 - Musical Theatre Rep and Vocal Tech II (SP only; even years)

  • Additional courses in Musicianship (with approval of the instructor)

    • MUSC 102 or MUSC 103 - Musicianship II Written or Musicianship II Written - Intensive

      • Offered in spring semesters only

Private Lessons Outside of the Music Minor Program

Duquesne University students not majoring or minoring in music can take non-credit private music lessons through City Music Center, the community outreach division of the Mary Pappert School of Music. Visit duq.edu/CMC for more information. Private music lessons for credit unfortunately cannot be offered to students who are not majoring or minoring in music.