Music Admissions
At the Mary Pappert School of Music, you can be a creator, artist, healer, teacher, and much more. We believe there is an unparalleled value in self-expression, and it is through music that you can nurture the heart of society and actively participate in shaping global culture.
Start here and go anywhere!
The application for admission in 2020 is one click away:
Admission to the Mary Pappert School of Music involves a 2-step process. Applicants must first apply to Duquesne University. Once the application is submitted, applicants will then be prompted to schedule an audition and submit additional documentation. Learn more about this process.
Top 3 most commonly asked questions:
What is expected in the audition?
Check out the Audition Overview for details about audition requirements.
What does the admission process look like?
Take a moment to review the Music Admission Timeline.
Can I submit a portfolio of my work?
Those interested in pursuing Music Technology (composition or sound recording) are encouraged to submit a portfolio of 3 finished works.
Learn more about the Music Technology Portfolio.
View Programs of Study | Meet our Faculty | Read Music News | Visit the Mary Pappert School of Music
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We'd like to meet you.
Come to campus and experience what we have to offer!
All prospective students are invited to audit classes and sit in on our ensemble rehearsals. Individual visits and family consultations can also be scheduled by emailing the Office of Music Admissions or calling (412) 396-5064. Private lessons with our faculty can also be arranged (additional fees may apply).
*Graduate and undergraduate applicants with an application on file qualify for a FREE Trial Lesson.
We make attending Duquesne affordable.
All new undergraduate students entering as first-time freshmen in the fall, 2020 are eligible for a 50% tuition scholarship.
These scholarships are renewable for a maximum of four years of undergraduate study as long as the student remains enrolled full-time (12 credits per semester) in the School of Music. *This scholarship program is only available to incoming first-time freshmen and external transfers matriculating in the fall 2020 semester.
Learn more about the Lead With Music Scholarship Program.
Questions about the admission process?
Take a moment to review the Music Admission Timeline.
Music Scholarships & Financial Aid Information
100% of undergraduate music applicants receive some form of financial assistance from the Mary Pappert School of Music.
Other forms of financial aid are handled directly through Duquesne University's Office of Financial Aid. Financial Aid counselors are available for individual appointments and counseling. Visit the Financial Aid webpage.
*For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid (412) 396-6607.
The Mary Pappert School of Music is always accepting graduate applications.
All applicants must have completed adequate undergraduate studies in music in order to apply (bachelor's degree, college-level conservatory diploma, or their foreign equivalent in music). Additional requirements pertinent to each graduate degree program may be required.
An audition is required for all programs. Live auditions are recommended, however, recorded auditions are also accepted. Learn more about the audition process.
INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE STUDENTS: Upon enrollment, all international graduate students are required to pay a one-time service fee of $125 to cover the costs associated with the processing and filing of official documents. This fee will be charged to the student's account.
Graduate Assistantships
(full & partial tuition awards)
At the Mary Pappert School of Music, we offer competitive awards to graduate applicants in the form of assistantships. Assistantship positions and responsibilities range from performing in ensembles to assisting in the classrooms and providing faculty and staff with administrative support. All positions are designed to provide Graduate Assistants (GA's) with unique and valuable professional experiences working alongside faculty and staff in a supportive and collaborative environment.
*All graduate applicants are automatically considered for assistantships. Learn more about the Graduate Assistantship Program.
Ask about our performance assistantships in the Triano Woodwind Quintet and the DeBroff String Quartet.
Contact the Office of Music Admissions (412) 396-5064
Financial Aid
Other forms of financial aid are handled directly through Duquesne University's Office of Financial Aid. Financial Aid counselors are available for individual appointments and counseling. Visit the Financial Aid webpage.
*For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid (412) 396-6607.
A few things you should know about transferring to the Mary Pappert School of Music:
In addition to the University application and audition process, transfer applicants must also submit the following forms:
Music School Transfer Form
University Transfer Form
Transferring Credits
Students who are anticipating transferring music credits are encouraged to submit their transcripts to the Office of Music Admissions for preliminary review. Submission of supporting documents may be required. The Mary Pappert School of Music generally accepts credits from a college or university equally accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
*For additional information on transferring to Duquesne University, please contact the Office of Music Admissions (412) 396-5064.
Internal Transfers
Current Duquesne University students who intend to internally transfer to the school of music are required to complete the audition process and an interview with the applicable area coordinator and/or department chair.
*Questions? Please contact the Office of Music Admissions (412) 396-5064.
We welcome students from around the world!
At Duquesne, we are educating the musical leaders of the twenty first century through challenging music degree programs for the mind, heart, and spirit. Our University motto, "Spiritus Est Qui Vivificat," It is the Spirit Who Gives Life, inspires our classrooms, rehearsals, and concert venues. Learn more about the application and admission process for International Students.
All International Applicants: All application materials and official documentation (transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal essay) must be provided in English. Also, we strongly recommend utilizing a foreign credentialing service such as WES or ECE. International students applying for a student visa must submit an affidavit (in English) from a financial institution documenting the applicant's ability to finance their entire education and living expenses while in the United States. If governments or parents supply financial support, an affidavit certifying the amount to be furnished must be included. Currency must be translated into United States dollars. Learn more.
*Non-native English speakers must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores.
For more information please contact the Office of International Admissions in the Center for Global Engagement at intladmissions@duq.edu (412) 396-6113.
International students interested in Music Education
When applying for certification you must:
- Be a citizen of the United States; or
- Hold a permanent resident visa that allows you to live and work in the U.S.; and
- File a declaration of intent to become a U.S. citizen.
*International students are defined as those who do not hold U.S. citizenship, green card (permanent resident) status, or refugee/asylum status.
All international students, regardless of intended degree, must first apply to Duquesne University.
IMPORTANT: Upon enrollment, all international graduate students are required to pay a one-time service fee of $125 to cover the costs associated with the processing and filing of official documents. This fee will be charged to the student's account.