Bachelor of Music in Performance

Our performance degree track is a four year program in which students have the opportunity to study with master teachers, many of whom are Symphony members, international recording artists and renowned performers. Performance students take applied studies in keyboard, orchestral instruments and voice. Students perform in a variety of ensembles which rank among the finest in the country. No matter your path; Brass, Guitar/Electric Bass, Jazz, Organ, Percussion, Piano, Strings, Voice, or Woodwinds, the Mary Pappert School of Music can prepare you to be a leader in the musical culture of the 21st century. Brass: Students in the brass area enjoy studying with a wide array of world-renowned experts. In addition to studying with master performers and teachers, students also have the opportunity to perform in award-winning large ensembles such as the Duquesne University Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony and Symphony Band. Studio Jazz Guitar: Our jazz guitar faculty focuses on developing your maximum musical potential and confidence by strengthening and fostering creativity, self-expression, and discipline so that you have the skills necessary to generate your own musical identity. Jazz: Jazz at Duquesne emphasizes traditional jazz idioms and includes courses in improvisation, arranging, ear training and performance in small and large ensembles. Duquesne's close association with the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild and nearly a dozen area jazz clubs provides a variety of opportunities for students to perform with and learn from nationally-known visiting artists. Organ/Sacred Music: The sacred music courses are ecumenical and emphasize both the musical and spiritual development of each student. Courses emphasize a high level of training in a variety of liturgical aspects, including organ, choral directing, cantoring, lecturing, and internships. Percussion: 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. Strings: The string program emphasizes the complete artistic, professional and personal development of the musician, addressing not only technical skills but also nurturing creativity through exposure to technology and encouraging the business savvy required to market and manage one's career. Students hone their skills in various major ensembles and chamber groups as they learn from a world-class faculty, many of which are members of the Pittsburgh Symphony. Voice: Voice Majors at Duquesne enjoy opportunities to perform in a variety of settings. The choral ensembles have earned international acclaim through their touring, records, and performances at prestigious national and international venues. Our Opera Workshop typically presents a full-staged opera each year and several scenes nights. Woodwinds: The woodwind program provides excellent instruction provided by a world class faculty. Virtually all of the woodwind teachers are recognized performers, living the careers that our students seek for themselves. In addition to scheduled private lessons and master classes, woodwind students have the opportunity to study orchestral repertoire, and to participate in chamber music ensembles.