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
Guest Artist Recital: Michael Clark, piano
Michael Clark is a pianist, teacher, and scholar noted for his “natural, clear, and nuanced” performances (Piano Magazine). An advocate for the music of Florence Price, he has presented numerous lecture recitals on her piano music. His debut album Waltzes and Character Pieces of Florence Price, rele
Uptown Jazz Series: Retrospective - Concert 5
PERFORMERS:
Trumpet: JD Chaisson
Trombone: Jeff Bush
Saxophone: Mike Tomaro
Piano: Max Leake
Guitar: Eric Susoeff
Bass: Paul Thompson
Drums: Tom Wendt
Admission
$10 Suggested Donation (at the door)
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
Women's Advisory Board Scholarship Competition
Admission
Tribute to the 70s Horn Bands
Featuring
Duquesne University Jazz Ensemble and Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Mike Tomaro and Kelley Krepin DeFade, directors
Performing Mike Tomaro's arrangements of the music of:
Master Class: Yeeha Chiu, piano
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
Three Distinguished MPSOM Faculty Set to Retire
At the end of the current academic year, three preeminent faculty members will be retiring from their positions at Duquesne. Dr. Edward Kocher, Dr. Ann Labounsky, and Professor Mike Tomaro have all been pillars of the Mary Pappert School of Music, shaping the careers of countless students for a collective 109 years, and we will certainly miss them!
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.
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.