Our jazz courses and individual instruction will equip you to thrive in a variety of professional roles in today's ever-changing world of commercial music, of which jazz is an integral part. Jazz experiences can be integrated into any of our degree programs.
You will work with faculty who are known internationally as jazz performers, composers, and arrangers. Study with them by day and watch them perform in Pittsburgh's flourishing jazz scene by night. You will have opportunities to perform with them in combos and big bands all over the region. We even have a Hire a Musician program that connects you with local employers and venues, so you can take your performance expertise beyond the classroom and into the field, allowing you to make money while sharpening your entrepreneurial skills.
Our jazz offerings are directly integrated with the Institute of Entertainment, Music, and Media Arts (IEMMA), a unique interdisciplinary program that connects you directly to the entertainment industry at large. Through IEMMA, you will become an adept studio musician by participating in sessions and seminars with prominent recording engineers, producers, record label executives, and more.
Jazz in Action
Our unique jazz curriculum integrates foundational training in the classical tradition with private instruction and coursework including improvisation, harmony, arranging, ear training, and history.
In the Classroom
You've got a love for jazz music. Our jazz curriculum sets the stage for you to go anywhere. Regardless of your chosen music major, you will receive exposure and training that encompasses jazz and commercial music (pop, Latin, and other world music styles), and includes experiences in the recording studio using notation software and digital audio workstations to compose and arrange. In addition, you will have opportunities to learn from our distinguished faculty, as well as nationally-known visiting artists.
On Stage
You can perform in both large and small group settings including Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Workshop, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Guitar Ensemble, and Jazz Chamber Groups. Our award-winning faculty know exactly what it takes to be successful in careers from the concert hall to the recording studio, sound stage, stadiums, and outdoor music festivals. In addition, Duquesne's close association with the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild and nearly a dozen area jazz clubs provides a variety of opportunities for students like you to perform.
Meet the Jazz Faculty
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, stadiums, and outdoor music festivals.
Jazz Faculty
Ronald Bickel
Adjunct Professor of Jazz Piano
J.D. Chaisson
Adjunct Professor of Jazz Trumpet
Kelley Krepin DeFade
Adjunct Professor of Jazz Voice
Max Leake
Adjunct Professor of Jazz Piano
Jeffrey Mangone
Adjunct Professor of Double Bass/Bass Guitar
Eric Susoeff
Adjunct Professor of Jazz Guitar
Paul Thompson
Adjunct Professor of Jazz Bass
Thomas Wendt
Adjunct Professor of Jazz Percussion
Upcoming Jazz Events
Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Workshop, and Jazz Vocal Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Workshop, and Jazz Vocal Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Workshop, and Jazz Vocal Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Workshop, and Jazz Vocal Ensemble
Alumni Perspective
The Mary Pappert School of Music jazz faculty is exceptional at providing real-world training through their combined years of knowledge of many different types of jazz music and ample experience playing with major and storied artists from the jazz world. With their guidance, I have found myself thoroughly prepared for any type of musical work that I have come across in my career!