Duquesne's percussion program is designed to assist each student in developing critical performing and teaching skills in the variety of percussion instruments. Instructional programs, taught by a faculty that includes two members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, include applied studies in orchestral and commercial styles, as well as the development of pedagogical skills.

Facilities available to students include teaching studios and practice rooms devoted exclusively to percussion. The school houses an unusually extensive inventory of percussion equipment, including a set of Clevelander Dresden model timpani, Yamaha timpani, four concert grand marimbas, two xylophones, two sets of orchestra bells, Wuhan gongs, and a wide variety of other instruments.

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Graduate Students

We are proud to offer highly competitive Graduate Performance Awards and Assistantships that can cover up to 100% of tuition.

Questions About Studying Percussion?

Contact the Percussion Area Coordinator.

Eliseo Rael

Adjunct Professor of Percussion; Percussion Area Coordinator

man in brown sweater holds percussion mallets.
 


Percussion Faculty

Christopher Allen

Christopher Allen

Adjunct Professor of Percussion

Jim Benoit

Jim Benoit

Adjunct Professor of Percussion

Eliseo Rael

Eliseo Rael

Adjunct Professor of Percussion; Percussion Area Coordinator

John Soroka

John Soroka

Adjunct Professor of Percussion


Jazz Percussion Faculty

Thomas Wendt

Thomas Wendt

Adjunct Professor of Jazz Percussion

Upcoming Percussion Events

A timpanist performs.

Percussion Ensemble

Eliseo Rael, director

Admission
$10 Suggested Donation (at the door)

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  • Mary Pappert School of Music
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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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Blue graphic with white calendar and music note icons.

Student Recital: Adam Vera, percussion

From the studio of Jim Benoit.

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  • Mary Pappert School of Music
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A quartet rehearses.

Jazz Chamber Groups and Jazz Guitar Ensemble

Jeff Bush and Eric Susoeff, directors

Admission
$10 Suggested Donation (at the door)

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  • Mary Pappert School of Music
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Blue graphic with white calendar and music note icons.

Student Recital: Ross Jarrell, percussion

From the studio of Jim Benoit.

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  • Mary Pappert School of Music
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Percussion Facilities

You will have access to two percussion studios at the Mary Pappert School of Music. In addition, the Jazz Studio is equipped with a drum set.