Mary Pappert School of Music

09/01/2026

Music students, have you signed up for the Pittsburgh Symphony's PSO Go or PSO Go+ yet? The GRAMMY-winning orchestra which performs just blocks from campus is filled with faculty members and alumni from the MPSoM.

We're thrilled the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is offering these programs that enable our students to witness top-tier music making on a regular basis throughout their studies.

08/27/2026

The 2026–27 academic year is officially underway! 🎶

Classes began this past Monday, and we kicked things off together at our annual Convocation, complete with a Mary Pappert School of Music “school selfie.”

This photo feels especially fitting as we celebrate our 100th anniversary, with students proudly sporting their MPSOM centennial blue. It was a joyful way to begin a milestone year, surrounded by the students, faculty and staff who make this community what it is.

We’re off to a great start, and we can’t wait to see what the year ahead brings. Here’s to new music, new ideas, new friendships and an unforgettable 100th year at the Mary Pappert School of Music! 🎉🎵

08/26/2026

🎹 PianoFest at Duquesne is coming up!

We're excited to kick off this year's concert series with three piano-focused events.

Tue., Sep. 8, at 7:30 p.m. – Dr. Kevin Lee Sun's faculty recital, "Look to This Day" | PNC Recital Hall. Free Admission

Fri., Sep. 11 at 7:30 p.m. – Guest artist recital by the Happy Dog Piano Duo | PNC Recital Hall. Free Admission

Sun., Sep. 13 at 3:00 p.m. – "Hungarian Dance Fever," the first of this year's Brahms on the Bluff series | PNC Recital Hall. $20 Admission

More details on these performances can be found at duq.edu/MusicEvents

08/17/2026

Full series renewals for Brahms on the Bluff are now open for last year's subscribers!

New season passes and single concert sales begin in one week, on Monday, August 24.

Learn more: duq.edu/BluffSeries

08/13/2026

Brahms on the Bluff kicks off in exactly one month!

If you were a series subscriber last year, you can renew your seats beginning Monday, August 17. New season passes and individual seat reservations begin on Monday, August 24.

Everything you need to know can be found here: duq.edu/BluffSeries

08/10/2026

📚 Get Ready for Fall 🍂

In addition to a great education, Pittsburgh gives you access to culture, legendary sports, great neighborhoods, a world-class food scene, thriving industry and jobs, and much more.

Music students especially benefit from Duquesne's proximity to the Cultural District, home to Downtown Pittsburgh's dynamic art and entertainment scene.

Get to know our city!
https://duq.edu/life-at-duquesne/our-campus/our-pittsburgh-community.php

07/27/2026

Professor emerita Lynn Purse's backyard garden was featured in Garden Conservancy Open Garden Days in June, one of only three in the Pittsburgh area.

KDKA Talk Pittsburgh and TribLive published a video and article feature, respectively, on Purse and dug into some of the connections she draws on between her musical and horticultural pursuits. She finds that "orchestrating a garden is very much like orchestrating a piece of music."



Watch the video here and see the comments below for a link to read the article

Boaz checks out Lynn Purse's garden. For video licensing inquiri...

07/24/2026

📚 Get Ready for Fall 🍂

Life at Duquesne University is full of annual traditions that connect music students with their fellow Dukes on the Bluff, past, present, and future.

From orientation to late-night breakfast (just before final exams), learn more about the shared experiences you'll have throughout the year here: https://www.duq.edu/life-at-duquesne/traditions.php

07/20/2026

Earlier this summer we hosted seven week-long workshops and intensives for high-school students.

In collaboration with the City Music Center of Duquesne University, our annual summer music series has offerings geared toward aspiring singers, instrumentalists, as well as those interested in music recording and engineering. Students came to campus to sharpen their crafts and gain valuable experience, working with members of our faculty on campus.

Thanks to everyone who made these weeks possible!