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

Graphic featuring a silhouette of the Pittsburgh skyline on a textured sunset background.

Uptown Jazz Series: Retrospective - Concert 4

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)

  • -
  • Mary Pappert School of Music
More About This Event
A saxophone player solos.

Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Workshop, and Jazz Vocal Ensemble

Mike Tomaro, Jeff Bush, and Kelley Krepin DeFade, directors

Admission
$10 Suggested Donation (at the door)

  • -
  • Mary Pappert School of Music
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Clarinettists perform.

Wind Ensembles

Dr. James Gourlay, Director of Bands

Admission
$10 Suggested Donation (at the door)

  • -
  • Charles J. Dougherty Ballroom, Power Center
More About This Event
A cellist smiles while performing.

Duquesne Symphony Orchestra

Daniel Meyer, Director of Orchestral Activities

Admission
$10 Suggested Donation (at the door)

  • -
  • Charles J. Dougherty Ballroom, Power Center
More About This Event
Graphic featuring a silhouette of the Pittsburgh skyline on a textured sunset background.

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)

  • -
  • Mary Pappert School of Music
More About This Event

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.