Our curriculum emphasizes musicianship across PreK–12 public and private schools,
both in classroom and rehearsal settings, enabling you to teach anywhere in the United States.
In addition to your studies, you will maintain the highest standards in the areas
of musicianship, pedagogy, and professionalism and work consistently with an extensive
network of cooperating teachers in public school music settings (band, choir, orchestra,
and general music) for field experiences that begin during the very first semester
of the freshman year.
Home to an active collegiate chapter of the National Association for Music Education, the Mary Pappert School of Music fosters participation in chapters of related professional
organizations including:
These Music Education graduates have gone on to become successful teachers, administrators,
and performers both the local and international stage.
Michael Warren
Dr. Michael Warren (2017) was host of the 2019 gala for The Pittsburgh Promise, which
featured headliner Leslie Odom, Jr. of the Broadway smash-hit musical "Hamilton."
Hannah Roux
Hannah Roux (2020) teaches elementary general and vocal music in the Fox Chapel Area
School District, and she also leads Tunes for Tots music class for children and their
loved ones at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church.
Kendra Whitlock Ingram
Kendra Whitlock Ingram (1997) is the current President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Cultural
Trust. She previously served as President and CEO of the Marcus Performing Arts Center
in Milwaukee, WI.
Meet the Music Education Faculty
Our Music Education faculty are nationally- and internationally-known educators, scholars,
conductors, and clinicians active within the profession.
Collin Binko (B.S. Music Education, 2013) won the 2025 Milken Educator Award for Wyoming,
a national honor (also known as the "Oscar of Teaching") recognizing educators for
their dedication to excellence in education and leadership.
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.
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.
Demonstrate personal commitment to the art of music, to teaching music as an element
of civilization, and to encouraging the artistic and intellectual development of students—while
fulfilling these commitments as independent professionals.
Lead their own students to an understanding of music as an art form, as a means of
communication, and as a part of their intellectual and cultural heritage.
Inspire others and excite the imagination of their students, engendering a respect
for music and a desire for musical knowledge and experiences.
Articulate logical rationales for music as a basic component of general education,
and present the goals and objectives of a school music program effectively to parents,
professional colleagues, and administrators.
Work productively within specific education systems, promote scheduling patterns that
optimize music instruction, maintain positive relationships with individuals of various
social and ethnic groups, and be empathetic with students and colleagues of differing
backgrounds.
Evaluate ideas, methods, and policies in the arts, the humanities, and in arts education
for their influence on the musical and cultural development of students in school
music programs.
Remain current with developments in the art of music and in teaching; make independent,
in-depth evaluations of their relevance; and to use the results to improve musicianship
and teaching skills.
