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

Group of students and Tom Carsecka pose for a photo.

Admitted Student Day Celebration

This is our main event for celebrating admitted students! Enjoy musical performances, round-table discussions with current students and faculty, games, prizes, and giveaways! Talk with your future classmates and teachers while we treat you to lunch. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience!

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Trombonists perform.

Duquesne Brass Choir

Dr. James Gourlay, Director of Bands

Admission
$10 Suggested Donation

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  • Charles J. Dougherty Ballroom, Power Center
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A timpanist performs.

Percussion Ensemble

Eliseo Rael, director

Admission
$10 Suggested Donation (at the door)

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People gathered together in a drum circle.

Full Spectrum - Session 1: Exploring Sound and Rhythm

We will feature an instrument petting zoo and lead participants in a community drum circle. Engage in call and response drumming and improvisation. Our current students will lead sing-alongs, offer demonstrations on instruments, and play musical games with participants.

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A blue graphic with white calendar and music note icons.

Marguerite DePhillips Dougherty Voice Competition

Dr. Meghan DeWald Althouse, artistic director

Admission

$10 Suggested Donation (at the door)

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Clarinetists perform.

Aaron Copland's Lincoln Portrait

Join us for a symphonic tribute to Abraham Lincoln in the Music Hall, featuring Aaron Copland’s beloved work, Lincoln Portrait. This special event celebrates the upcoming return of our nationally recognized Civil War Symposium later in the week.

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  • Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall
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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

 

Two Students Win Annual Scholarship Competition

On Tuesday, March 11, nine MPSOM students performed in the annual Women’s Advisory Board Scholarship Competition (WABSC). This year’s event marks the first time that two students have been named winners. Reese McCracken, a saxophonist from the studio of Dr. Keith Young won the first prize ($10,000 scholarship), and Nicholas Todorov, a tubist from the studio of Dr. James Gourlay won the second prize ($5,000 scholarship). In addition, all other contestants received $100 participation awards.

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‘Full Spectrum’ Series Marks Autism Acceptance Month

In celebration of Autism Acceptance Month this April, the Mary Pappert School of Music and City Music Center of Duquesne University are excited to host the second annual Full Spectrum series.

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Duquesne Awards Honorary Degree to PSO’s Maestro Honeck

The University recently recognized Maestro Manfred Honeck, esteemed music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO), with an honorary Doctor of Music degree.

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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

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!

 

Accreditation

Duquesne University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.