Getting Started

Check out your path to admission: Learn how to submit your application and present your best audition.

Apply Now

Admission to the Mary Pappert School of Music requires a Duquesne University application and successful completion of a formal music audition. 
Audition Process & Guidelines.

Looking for important deadlines and tips for submitting materials?
Undergraduate Timeline  |  Graduate Timeline  |  International Timeline

Ask one of our current students what life is like as a Duquesne Musician.
Music Student Ambassadors.

Tom Carsecka talks with a prospective student.

Let's Connect

If you're looking for somewhere to start, begin with our Music Admissions team. You can ask us anything! Submit your request below, and we will connect you to the people and experiences that fit your interests. 

Request Information

Contact Us

Get answers to questions about auditions, scholarships, degree programs, classroom observations and other opportunities.

Thomas Carsecka

Assistant Dean of Music Admissions and Community Programs

Tom Carsecka

Experience Being a Student

Why is the Mary Pappert School of Music #1 for so many? See for yourself!

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Connect with Current Students

Our music ambassadors are current students that represent the full spectrum of instruments and degree pathways at the Mary Pappert School of Music.

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Meet your Future Teacher

All applicants receive a free lesson with our faculty to help them prepare for the audition

Sign Up for a Lesson
Duquesne Orchestra Performing

Experience our Ensembles

Attend a concert or sit in on a rehearsal! Students can choose from orchestras, wind ensembles, choirs and jazz ensembles as well as premier chamber groups like the Studio Recording Ensemble, Opera Workshop, The Dukes Music, and more.

Audition Dates & Guidelines

Full Calendar

All dates for the current admission cycle are listed below. You can choose between online or in-person format for select dates. When you're ready, register to audition on your applicant portal.
  • December 5, 2025 (online or in-person)
  • January 16, 2026 (campus only)
  • January 30, 2026 (online only)
  • February 13, 2026 (campus only)
  • February 27, 2026 (campus only)

  • Post-season audition appointments beyond 2/27/26 are available, but not guaranteed. Learn more by contacting the office of music admissions musicadmissionsFREEDUQUESNE.

Your audition day experience will include multiple components based on your degree, instrument, and level of study. We will provide a detailed and personalized audition schedule to help you navigate the day.

guitarist performing on stage

Audition Portfolio

In addition to a live audition (online or in-person), all prospective music majors submit an audition portfolio. Learn more about the guidelines for your degree program and instrument.

Experience Being a Music Student

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Summer Piano Workshop (Session 2)

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to work with our distinguished piano faculty. The workshop offers a variety of expert instruction including 1-on-1 private piano lessons, peer observation in group class environment, sight-reading sessions, and master classes, as well as an opportunity to experi

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A student conducts a group of other students in a performance.

Music Education Preview Day

Interested in becoming a music teacher? This event is an opportunity to experience being a Music Education Major at Duquesne University for the day!

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  • Mary Pappert School of Music
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Music Awards and Scholarships

We are proud to offer exceptional award packages that can cover up to 100% of tuition! All accepted music students are automatically considered for scholarships and financial assistance from the Mary Pappert School of Music.

A violinist performs.

Academic and Talent-based Awards for Undergrads

The Mary Pappert School of Music offers competitive scholarship packages that recognize the academic merit and artistry of each applicant.

A trumpet player performs.

Graduate Performance Awards & Assistantships

At the Mary Pappert School of Music, we offer performance-based awards as well as assistantships to graduate applicants and enrolled students.

A singer performs with a pianist accompanying.

Annual Funding & Scholarship Competitions

As an enrolled student, you can apply and compete for additional funding to support your education. Check out some of our recent endowed scholarship recipients.

Hone Your Performing Skills

Regardless of degree path, each student benefits from one-on-one instruction with our world-class faculty.

Duquesne's ensembles will provide you with the finest university-level performing experiences available, preparing you for your career as a professional musician. As a member, you will perform on campus, as well as at some of the best venues for music in the city. Our students have performed at Heinz Hall, Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, the August Wilson Center, the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, and many more. 

LEARN ABOUT ENSEMBLES

In today's competitive commercial and studio music environment, versatility is of the utmost importance. Our unique jazz curriculum integrates foundational training in the classical tradition with private instruction and coursework in jazz idioms.

Learn more about jazz at Duquesne.

Looking for an Accelerated Program?

Select degree programs can be accelerated and completed in 3 years. View all programs. Graduation timelines vary by student and depend on several factors including transfer credits and summer courses. Connect%20with%20our%20Music%20Admissions%20team to see if an accelerated pathway is right for you.

Minors & Micro-Credentials

Connect your musical interests across disciplines for a more integrated college experience.

A student plays a saxophone.

Music Minor

The Mary Pappert School of Music offers a Minor in Music to any Duquesne student, regardless of major. Enjoy playing in ensembles, taking lessons, and digging into the foundations of music. The program consists of 15 credits, 7 of which are prescribed coursework and the remaining 8 are music electives.

A person works with a young student.

Music and Health Minor

The Music and Health undergraduate minor is designed for undergraduate students currently enrolled in an undergraduate health care program at Duquesne University. This 15-credit program will prepare you to understand music as a cultural practice of health.

A person plays an acoustic guitar in a music therapy setting.

Music & Health in Integrative Care Micro-Credential

The Music and Health in Integrative Care micro-credential is designed for graduate students currently enrolled in a healthcare program at Duquesne University. This 9-credit online program runs asynchronously to accommodate the schedule of the full-time student and working professional.

Not sure about your next steps?

Try talking to one of our Music Ambassadors or taking a Trial Lesson with one of our faculty members. It's really important to establish connections and form relationships with potential teachers and future classmates. Our current students and faculty are looking forward to meeting you and helping you take the next step in your musical journey!

Alumni Highlight

Alex Weibel

This place has magic in the air and electricity in every rehearsal. I love the Mary Pappert School of Music, and have decided to continue my journey at the graduate level working toward a Master's in Jazz Guitar Performance.

Alex Weibel BS Music Education 2022, current graduate student