Program Overview
Duquesne University's Artist Diploma in Performance is a two-year program designed to equip students with the skills for a professional music career. Students receive one-on-one instruction from renowned faculty and participate in ensembles, including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. The program emphasizes business and promotional aspects of music-making, preparing graduates for success in concert halls, recording studios, and other professional settings.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Artist Diploma in Performance from Duquesne University's Mary Pappert School of Music is a 2-year program that provides students with the real-world skills necessary for success in a demanding professional music environment. The program offers varied curricula for each applied area, including brass, guitar, keyboards, percussion, strings, voice, and woodwinds. Students will learn from artist-teachers who are networked into the music industry globally and have expertise in diverse fields such as solo performance, recording, contracting, entrepreneurship, military ensembles, composition, and arranging. The program prepares students for careers in concert halls, recording studios, sound stages, and outdoor music festivals.
Outline:
Year 1
Fall Semester
- Private lessons
- Music theory
- Music history
- Ensemble performance
Spring Semester
- Private lessons
- Music theory
- Music history
- Ensemble performance
- Jazz studies
Year 2
Fall Semester
- Private lessons
- Music theory
- Music history
- Ensemble performance
- Business and promotional aspects of music-making
Spring Semester
- Private lessons
- Music theory
- Music history
- Ensemble performance
- Internship Students will also have opportunities to perform professionally in multiple ensembles, including:
- Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
- Pittsburgh Opera and Ballet Orchestras
Teaching:
Students will receive one-on-one instruction from world-class faculty in their applied area. The program also features master classes presented by internationally-recognized music experts and guest artists. Through coursework and internships, students will learn to manage the business and promotional aspects of professional music-making.
Careers:
Graduates of the Artist Diploma in Performance program have succeeded in a wide range of music careers, both locally and internationally. They have performed with major orchestras, opera companies, and jazz ensembles, and have also pursued careers as soloists, recording artists, and music educators.
