Music Performance
An Artist Diploma in Performance or Chamber Music provides you with the real-world skills you need for success in a competitive and demanding professional environment. Simply put, you will learn from artist-teachers who are networked into the music industry from New York to LA, from Beijing to Sydney, and across Europe. Work alongside solo artists, recording artists, contractors, entrepreneurs, members of military ensembles, composers and arrangers, and many more.
- Our GRAMMY Award-winning faculty are networked into the international music industry and know exactly what it takes to be successful in careers from the concert hall to the recording studio, sound stage, or outdoor music festival.
- In addition to curricular concerts and events, students have opportunities to perform professionally in multiple ensembles including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Opera and Ballet Orchestras, and Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, to name a few.
- In addition to classroom spaces, the Mary Pappert School of Music has a variety of performance, rehearsal, and practice facilities available for use.
- Our students benefit from master classes presented by internationally-recognized music experts and guest artists.
- The Institute of Entertainment, Music, and Media Arts (IEMMA) allows you to engage in real-world activities and connect with industry-leading professionals while on campus.
- Through coursework and internships, you will learn to manage the business and promotional aspects of professional music-making.
- Our graduates succeed. They can be found performing virtually every style of music locally, nationally, and around the world.
Solo Performance Track
If you want to hone your personal performance and dive deep into your instrumental repertoire, an Artist Diploma in Performance allows you to cultivate your stage presence and better connect with your audience. You will also build entrepreneurial skills and learn how to market yourself as a solo artist in the music industry.
Chamber Music Track
If you are looking for a more collaborative experience, an Artist Diploma in Chamber Music will provide an array of opportunities for you to develop your small group playing and help you build performance skills that will allow you to perform with any combination of instruments or voice parts in a variety of venues and performance settings.
View the 2024–2025 Curriculum
Audition Overview
Admission to the Mary Pappert School of Music also includes a formal audition. Learn more about the audition process & guidelines.
Program Information
Available tracks: Solo Performance and Chamber Music. Varied curricula for each applied area—brass, guitar, keyboards, percussion, strings, voice, woodwinds. See catalog for specific details.
Program Type
Major
Degree
Certificate
School
Academic Department
Performance (Music)
Duration
2-year
Required Credit Hours
30
Alumni Perspective
Attending Duquesne for an Artist Diploma was one of the best career decisions I ever made. The access to top-notch faculty and close proximity to the world class Pittsburgh Symphony made it the perfect situation to vault my musical career forward!
Chair of Performance
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.
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