Jazz can be integrated into any of our degree programs at the Mary Pappert School of Music! Our jazz courses, studio ensembles, and individual instruction are directly integrated with the Institute of Entertainment, Music, and Media Arts (IEMMA), a unique interdisciplinary program that connects you directly to the music industry's cutting edge (film scoring, arranging, live broadcast, streaming, and gaming). Through IEMMA, you will become a highly marketable studio musician by participating in sessions and seminars with prominent recording artists and engineers, producers, record label executives, and content creators.
World Class Faculty & Award-Winning Ensembles
In addition to studying with master performers and teachers, you will also have the opportunity to perform in award-winning ensembles including orchestral, wind, choral, and jazz ensembles. Chamber music also plays a very important role in our students’ education. Students frequently perform in brass quintets, brass choir, and other wind chamber groups. View jazz events.
Our Alumni Succeed
Graduates of the Mary Pappert School of Music can be seen performing in the nation’s top professional performing ensembles such the GRAMMY Award-winning Pittsburgh Symphony, Chicago Symphony, Metropolitan Opera, and various military bands in Washington, DC.
How can I get involved?
In addition to choosing a degree pathway, all music majors have a primary instrumental identity. Music majors that want to fully incorporate jazz studies into their curriculum must select one of the instrumental options below when applying:
- Jazz Bass (includes upright and/or electric)
- Jazz Guitar
- Jazz Percussion (includes drum set and vibes)
- Jazz Piano
- Jazz Saxophone
- Jazz Trombone
- Jazz Trumpet
- Jazz Voice (includes all voice parts)
You will work with faculty who are known internationally as jazz performers, composers, and arrangers. Study with them by day and watch them perform in Pittsburgh's flourishing jazz scene by night. You will have opportunities to perform with them in combos and big bands all over the region. We even have a Hire a Musician program that connects you with local employers and venues. So, you can take your performance expertise beyond the classroom and into the field, allowing you to make money while performing and sharpening your entrepreneurial skills.
Not majoring in music? Any Duquesne student can participate in jazz ensembles and combos regardless of major. Learn more about your music opportunities as a non-major.
Jazz in Action
Our unique jazz curriculum integrates foundational training in the classical tradition with private instruction and coursework including improvisation, harmony, arranging, ear training, and history.
In the Classroom
You've got a love for jazz music. Our jazz curriculum sets the stage for you to go anywhere. Regardless of your chosen music major, you will receive exposure and training that encompasses jazz and commercial music (pop, Latin, and other world music styles), and includes experiences in the recording studio using notation software and digital audio workstations to compose and arrange. In addition, you will have opportunities to learn from our distinguished faculty, as well as nationally-known visiting artists.
On Stage
You can perform in both large and small group settings including Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Workshop, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Guitar Ensemble, and Jazz Chamber Groups. Our award-winning faculty know exactly what it takes to be successful in careers from the concert hall to the recording studio, sound stage, stadiums, and outdoor music festivals. In addition, Duquesne's close association with the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild and nearly a dozen area jazz clubs provides a variety of opportunities for students like you to perform.
See Yourself Here
As a vocalist at Duquesne University, I have grown exponentially. I take both jazz and classical voice lessons and not only my vocal technique but also my musicianship and knowledge of various styles of music has expanded. As a music education student, I can confidently say that the ear training and exercises have made learning new instruments much easier as well.
Explore Your Musical Future
If you're looking for that school that's the perfect fit, you've found the right place. Take the next step and start your application today!
Undergrad Music Admissions
Our flexible curriculum empowers you to shape your own music pathway with your Faculty Advisor and Student Success Coach. Auditions are customized depending on your chosen degree and primary instrument. All fully admitted music majors are automatically considered for scholarships and awards. We are proud to offer highly competitive Undergraduate Audition and Enhancement Awards that can cover up to 100% of tuition.
Graduate Music Admissions
Match your love for music with any of our degree programs while balancing your performance commitments and academics. Auditions are customized depending on your chosen degree and primary instrument. All fully admitted graduate students are automatically considered for scholarships and awards. We are proud to offer highly competitive Graduate Performance Awards and Assistantships that can cover up to 100% of tuition.
Jazz Teaching Studio
The Jazz Studio is equipped with a drumset, baby grand piano, guitar/bass amps, and a digital piano/synth workstation that is used for private instruction and small combo rehearsals.
Meet the Jazz Faculty
Our GRAMMY Award-winning faculty are networked into the international music industry and know exactly what it takes to be successful in careers from the concert hall to the recording studio, sound stage, stadiums, and outdoor music festivals.
Jazz Faculty
J.D. Chaisson
Adjunct Professor of Jazz Trumpet
Kelley Krepin DeFade
Adjunct Professor of Jazz Voice
Alton Merrell
Adjunct Professor of Jazz Piano
Lynn Speakman
Adjunct Professor of Jazz Saxophone
Eric Susoeff
Adjunct Professor of Jazz Guitar
Paul Thompson
Adjunct Professor of Jazz Bass
Thomas Wendt
Adjunct Professor of Jazz Percussion
Upcoming Jazz Events
Uptown Jazz Series: Centennial Salute—The Music of Our DU Alumni
Jeff Bush, Artistic Director
Pre-concert Performance by DU Student Chamber Jazz Ensemble at 7:00 p.m.
The Music of Sammy Nestico
Duquesne University Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Workshop, and Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Jeff Bush & Kelley Krepin DeFade, directors
Uptown Jazz Series: Centennial Salute—The Music and Musicians of 1926, Part 1
Jeff Bush, Artistic Director
Pre-concert Performance by DU Student Chamber Jazz Ensemble at 7:00 p.m.
Jazz Ensembles
Duquesne University Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Workshop, and Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Jeff Bush & Kelley Krepin DeFade, directors
Jazz Chamber Groups and Jazz Guitar Ensemble
Jeff Bush & Eric Susoeff, directors
Christmas at Duquesne
Join us for our annual Christmas concert.
Musicians:
Voices of Spirit and Pappert Chorale
Wind Symphony
Jazz Ensemble
Alumni Perspective
The Mary Pappert School of Music jazz faculty is exceptional at providing real-world training through their combined years of knowledge of many different types of jazz music and ample experience playing with major and storied artists from the jazz world. With their guidance, I have found myself thoroughly prepared for any type of musical work that I have come across in my career!