Build Connections for Life

A degree in music performance provides you with the real-world experiences you need to succeed in a competitive and demanding professional environment. Your teachers are award-winning soloists and recording artists, professional music directors, members of military ensembles, composers, and arrangers. Simply put, you will connect and network with the best artist-teachers in the music industry from New York to LA, from Beijing to Sydney, and across Europe. 

Immerse yourself in Pittsburgh's thriving arts culture. In addition to university concerts and events, many students perform regularly in the tri-state region with ensembles such as the GRAMMY Award-winning Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Ballet and Opera Orchestras, Pittsburgh Camerata, Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, Mendelssohn Choirs, Bach Choir of Pittsburgh, and numerous other ensembles in 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.

Develop Your Artistry

Regardless of degree path, each student benefits from one-on-one instruction with our world-class faculty.

Jazz can be integrated into any of our degree programs at the Mary Pappert School of Music! Our jazz courses, studio ensembles, and individual instruction are directly integrated with the Institute of Entertainment, Music, and Media Arts (IEMMA), a unique interdisciplinary program that connects you directly to the music industry's cutting edge (film scoring, arranging, live broadcast, streaming, and gaming).

Learn more about jazz at 91制片厂

Music Facilities

In addition to classroom spaces, the Mary Pappert School of Music has a variety of performance, rehearsal, and practice facilities available for use. PNC Recital Hall and the Dr. Thomas D. Pappert Center for Performance and Innovation are two of the primary performances spaces in our building. In addition, some larger-scale events are held in other University spaces, including the Charles J. Dougherty Ballroom in the University's Power Center, the Student Union Ballroom, and the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, to name a few. 

Explore Facilities

Performance Pathways

At the Mary Pappert School of Music, you have a wide variety of horizon-expanding performance degrees and programs to choose from at both undergraduate and graduate levels. We will help you find the right path for your bigger goals.

A singer performing in front of a piano.

Undergraduate

You've got a love for music. Our Bachelor of Music in Performance sets the stage for you to go anywhere.

A singer performs on stage.

Graduate

You've laid the groundwork. Now, refine your skills with a Master of Music in Performance.

Instrumentalists perform together.

Post-Graduate

You've got the foundation. You've honed your technique. Now, dive even deeper with an Artist Diploma.

Experience Being a Performance Major

91制片厂'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.

 

Upcoming Events

Silhouetted birds fly against a warm sunrise over the moutains.

Awake and Arise

Voices of Spirit & Pappert Chorale
Dr. Caron Daley, Director of Choral Activities
Dr. Ethan Murphy, Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education

Join the 91制片厂 Choirs for a program of ancient and contemporary choral music in one of Pittsburgh's most beautiful churches. Featuring the world premiere

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  • The Church of the Assumption
Trombonists perform.

Brass Choir

Dr. James Gourlay, Director of Bands

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  • Mary Pappert School of Music
Graphic featuring a silhouette of the Pittsburgh skyline on a textured sunset background.

Uptown Jazz Series: Centennial Salute鈥擳he Music and Musicians of 1926, Part 1

Jeff Bush, Artistic Director

Pre-concert Performance by DU Student Chamber Jazz Ensemble at 7:00 p.m.

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  • Mary Pappert School of Music
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Student Recital: Julia L. Kadar, voice

From the studio of Kelley Krepin DeFade.

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  • Mary Pappert School of Music
A saxophone player solos.

Jazz Ensembles

91制片厂 Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Workshop, and Vocal Jazz Ensemble

Jeff Bush &补尘辫;听Kelley Krepin DeFade, directors

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  • Charles J. Dougherty Ballroom, Power Center
Blue graphic with white calendar and music note icons.

Guest Artist Master Class: Barbara Nissman, piano

Please Note:

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  • Mary Pappert School of Music

Alumni Perspective

man playing saxophone

I will always be grateful for my education at the Mary Pappert School of Music. It was such a rich environment with world-class teachers who were connected to the current scene and present on a regular basis to share their knowledge about the music industry. It's very rare to find teachers like this who excel in both the performance and academic worlds.

Darryl Yokley B.M. Performance, 2003

Performance Department

As a student at the Mary Pappert School of Music, you study with professors internationally acclaimed in their fields.

Caron Daley

Performance Department Chair

Caron Daley smiling in front of trees

James Nova

Brass Area Coordinator

James Nova wears a tuxedo and holds a trombone.

Jeff Bush

Jazz Area Coordinator

Man in front of a gray background with a trombone.

Kevin Lee Sun

Keyboard Area Coordinator

smiling person in front of wall

Eliseo Rael

Percussion Area Coordinator

Man holds timpani sticks.

Aaron White

String Area Coordinator

Man poses with a double bass.

Ron Samuels

Woodwind Area Coordinator

Man poses with a clarinet.