Music Student Ambassadors

Ambassador Co-Captain
Graduation Year: 2025
Major: Music Technology
Instrument: Voice
Contact Caleb

Why did you choose Duquesne?
I chose Duquesne because of the music technology program. The professors, students, and facilities all attracted me to the program and are ultimately why I chose to come to Duquesne.

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
I have had countless opportunities to perform and record music in our professional studio facilities. I have been able to travel to New York to perform with the Duquesne Voices of Spirit choir for the National Association for Music Education. I have had the opportunity to go to the annual Audio Engineering Society (AES) summit as well as the National Association for Music Merchants (NAMM).

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
My favorite ensemble at Duquesne is the Studio Ensemble under the direction of Professor Alex Price. We have a lot of fun and get to perform and record some awesome music. The ensemble teaches you how to be an artist as a performer and an engineer as well as gives you insight into being a professional studio musician and collaborating with others. 

What are your plans for the future?
I know I want to be a part of wherever awesome music or creative projects are being made. I will most likely continue to gig as a vocalist, write and record my own music, and teach lessons. I would love to own my own studio one day and be a freelance studio musician and producer.

Ambassador Co-Captain
Graduation Year: 2026
Major: Music Technology
Instrument: Bass Guitar
Contact Connor

Why did you choose Duquesne?
I chose Duquesne because I sought to learn my passion in a close, understanding, and accepting learning environment.

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
I have had the opportunity to be the Music Direction Intern at the Pittsburgh CLO. I have also had the opportunity to play music in a Jazz Chamber Group at Duquesne.

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
My favorite Duquesne Ensemble is the Jazz Workshop! The ensemble is familiar with each other in a musical sense, and it is enriching.

What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to pursue commissioned compositions and maintain performance in studio and live settings!

Graduation Year: 2027
Major: Music Technology
Instrument: Percussion
Contact Noah

Why did you choose Duquesne?
I chose Duquesne because of the Music Technology program and the faculty we have here. I trusted that I would learn the skills necessary to become a professional in the industry.

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
I have had lots of great opportunities here. I often play drums for various recording sessions, I get to record my own music in the studio, and I get to collaborate with all the wonderful musicians I've met here.

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
I love the recording studio ensemble. We play popular songs and record them within a short time period similar to how professional sessions are done. We also have a live internet radio broadcast at the end of every semester.

What are your plans for the future?
After I graduate I hope to be working as a composer/sound designer in video games. I'm currently working on applying to some of the local studios in the area.

Graduation Year: 2027
Major: Music Therapy
Instrument: Voice
Contact Senia

Why did you choose Duquesne?
I've been able to be participate in the Full Spectrum Event series; a series designed to connect families and individuals in the autism community through the enjoyment of music. I got the opportunity to co-lead different music activities and learn more about the power of music!

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
I've been able to be participate in the Full Spectrum Event series; a series designed to connect families and individuals in the autism community through the enjoyment of music. I got the opportunity to co-lead different music activities and learn more about the power of music!

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
I love Pappert Choral lead by Dr. Daley! She makes every rehearsal exciting.

What are your plans for the future?
After graduation, I plan to find an internship then become a board certified music therapist. I hope to work with adolescents receiving psychiatric care; then after a couple years I would love to get my masters!

Graduation Year: 2027
Major: Performance
Instrument: Clarinet
Contact Abbey 

Why did you choose Duquesne?
The atmosphere at Duquesne was unlike any other school I visited. I loved how close the student body is here, as well as the welcoming environment! I also chose Duquesne because of the amazing performance faculty.

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
I was able to work as an intern for the Pittsburgh Symphony in their orchestral operations department! This experience was amazing, I was able to work with the musicians as well as backstage for a few concerts.

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
Orchestra with Maestro Meyer is my favorite ensemble. He makes rehearsal engaging and the repertoire we play is phenomenal!

What are your plans for the future?
In the future I aspire to hold a professional orchestra position.

Graduation Year: 2025
Major: Music Therapy
Instrument: Oboe
Contact Carly

Why did you choose Duquesne?
The faculty were so supportive and driven to help me reach my goals.

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
As a therapy major, doing practicum with music therapists across a variety of settings has been the most exciting and valuable experience at Duquesne.

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
I love playing in Wind Ensemble! The music is always challenging and feels so rewarding once you perform it. 

What are your plans for the future?
Before I graduate I plan to work with a variety of client populations using different methods of music therapy to see what I like best. I look forward to developing my musicianship alongside my facilitation skills. This will help me decide where I would like to intern once I graduate!

Graduation Year: 2026
Major: Music Education
Instrument: Voice
Contact Amelia 

Why did you choose Duquesne?
I met so many incredible and welcoming people when I came to visit that Duquesne automatically felt like home. 

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
I have had so many opportunities to take leadership positions and work with my classmates to grow my and others' educational experience.

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
I love Voices of Spirit but I just joined Symphony Band which is so much fun.

What are your plans for the future?
I would like to teach middle school band or high school choir!

Graduation Year: 2026
Major: Music Education
Instrument: Flute
Contact Abbigail


Why did you choose Duquesne?
I chose Duquesne because of the amazing Music Education program, as well as the faculty! I have been able to foster many connections with faculty members that have helped shape me into who I am today.

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
I have had so many amazing opportunities at Duquesne so far, including teaching and observing in real classrooms with real students, working as a music teacher at a preschool, volunteering at the WQED Arts in the Park, and so much more!

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
My favorite Duquesne Ensemble is the Wind Symphony. Conducted by Dr. Gourlay, his excitement and energy bring so much life to the ensemble!

What are your plans for the future?
My plans are to work as an Elementary General Music teacher. I would also like to open my own private music studio to give lessons.

Graduation Year: 2027
Major: Music Education
Instrument: Trumpet
Contact Colton

Why did you choose Duquesne?
The culture of Pittsburgh was something that really helped my decision. The campus feels like a bubble within the city; extremely safe and with access to everything the city has to offer.

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
I've had the opportunity to be a part of many different ensembles on different instruments. I'm a trumpet player, but I also sing, and I'm able to be in the Voices of Spirit here while also being in ensembles on trumpet.

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
My favorite ensemble at Duquesne is the Voices of Spirit. Being in a select ensemble with people who are just as passionate about singing as I am is a special experience that you do not get everywhere.

What are your plans for the future?
My plans are to stay in Pittsburgh to teach. My preference of teaching would be band at any level, but I know I will also be successful in a general music or choral position. However it works out, I want to leave time in my schedule to gig and to further my education with a Masters and a Doctorate.

Graduation Year: 2026
Major: Music Education
Instrument: Saxophone
Contact Reese

Why did you choose Duquesne?
I chose Duquesne because of the amazing music education faculty and the countless opportunities available for students.

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
I've been able to participate in many ensembles, observe and teach kids in real classrooms, and attend some of the many concerts offered on and around campus.

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
My favorite Duquesne ensemble is the Wind Symphony because of the challenging, often contemporary repertoire performed. 

What are your plans for the future?
After graduation, I plan to teach full time in the public school system, most likely as a high school band director.

Graduation Year: 2027
Major: Music Therapy
Instrument: Double Bass
Contact Heyd

Why did you choose Duquesne?
I'm born and raised here in Pittsburgh, so once I saw that Duquesne was offering a Music Therapy program I had a feeling it would be a good fit. When I started to apply and meet the faculty and staff I immediately felt welcomed and wanted by them, genuinely.

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
I've had the benefit of studying closely with each of my professors who all offer a different kind of expertise. The one on one time with teachers that is available to students here is incomparable.

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
Despite having a jazz background (and playing jazz gigs around town), I really enjoy playing with the Duquesne Symphony Orchestra.

What are your plans for the future?
My plans are to stay here in Pittsburgh as both a music therapist and freelance musician. Ideally working in a space where I can work with people who suffer from schizophrenia, or schizophrenia-like disorders.

Graduation Year: 2026
Major: Performance
Instrument: Violin

Why did you choose Duquesne?
I chose Duquesne because of two reasons. One is my applied teacher with whom I have lessons prior to starting college. Two is Duquesne’s mission statement aligns what I believe: “Duquesne serves God by serving students.” And I believe that I serve God by serving people!

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
I enjoyed playing at Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Hall with the Duquesne Symphony Orchestra!

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
Duquesne Symphony Orchestra. Maestro Meyer gives the orchestra a certain level of refinement.

What are your plans for the future?
…..

Graduation Year: 2025
Major: Music Therapy
Instrument: Saxophone
Contact Catherine

Why did you choose Duquesne?
I was drawn to Duquesne initially for the music therapy program, but once I toured the campus and met some of the faculty, I knew it was the school for me! There is such a sense of community within the music school that I didn't feel at any other college I visited and it felt like a new home for me. 

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
Playing at the PMEA festival with the Wind Symphony; going to two different Music Therapy conferences in Niagara Falls and Harrisburg. 

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
Wind Symphony

What are your plans for the future?
Once I graduate I hope to do my internship in the mental health field and become a board certified music therapist!

Graduation Year: 2026
Major: Music Performance
Instrument: Tuba
Contact Nicholas

Why did you choose Duquesne?
I chose Duquesne because of the excellent faculty and the close and positive bonds between the students. Everyone encourages others to get better and willingly gives help when asked and the faculty is consistently present and interacts with students both in and out of class.

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
I have had the opportunity to perform with many ensembles from a Brass Band to a Tuba Ensemble. I have also performed with the brass band at a Pittsburgh Pirates game, at churches, and weddings. Additionally, there are many chances to hear unique and amazing ensembles from around the world. For example, last year a Dance Troupe from Ghana performed at Duquesne on their United States Tour.

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
My favorite Duquesne Ensemble is the Brass Band.

What are your plans for the future?
I would like to play tuba professionally in an orchestra or military band.