The Performance at Duquesne University is a Full Time Bachelor program offered at the university's main campus in Pittsburgh , United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 4 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on August 21, 2027.

About Bachelor of Performance

Performance

A degree in Music Performance 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.
Performance majors at both undergraduate and graduate levels have the opportunity to pursue an emphasis in jazz studies.
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, performance majors 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.

View the 2022–2023 Curriculum

Audition Overview

Admission to the Mary Pappert School of Music also includes a formal audition. Learn more about the audition process & guidelines.

Varied curricula for each applied area–brass, guitar, keyboards, percussion, strings, voice, woodwinds. See catalog for specific details.

Disciplines

Mary Pappert School of Music

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Performance at Duquesne University

Entry Requirements

Required Documents

Completed Application
Transcripts
- Original or attested copies of official academic records from the last four years of your education.
- Credentials should be submitted in the native language with certified English translations and sent directly from the school and/or university you attended. Photocopies are not considered official.
- Scanned copies are accepted for evaluation of your application, but originals must be received before you begin classes at Duquesne.
- If you have enrolled in an ESL program in the United States, you also must submit the ESL transcripts.
Recommendation Letter
- At least one (1) letter of recommendation from someone who can attest to both your academic and personal strengths.
Freshman Essay
- Submit a personal statement of at least 300 words which answers the following questions and includes examples of research, shadowing or volunteering experiences:
  1. What is unique about you?
  2. Why have you chosen this major?
  3. How will Duquesne help you to achieve your academic, personal, and professional goals?
English Language Scores
- International undergraduate students can apply in one of two ways:
  1. Submit a TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson Test of English, Duolingo English Test, or a score of 540 or higher on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.
  2. Test upon arrival to campus.

Eligibility

To be considered for admission you must have graduated from a secondary school recognized as an acceptable equivalent to a U.S. high school and you must demonstrate a record of acceptable academic success.

In general, undergraduate applicants are expected to obtain the U.S. equivalent of a minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) for most majors.

The Center for Global Engagement takes into the account the educational system and grading system particular to your country; therefore, you are evaluated against students from the same country.

Click here to see a list of countries and relevant documents that we consider the equivalent of a high school transcript.

Please Note:

Once your application is complete, it takes about two to three weeks for an admissions decision to be made.
Please read our English Proficiency Requirements page for detailed information on how we evaluate your application.
An initial interview is not formally required before your application, but you can request an interview with an admissions officer if you would like to articulate additional information. The Center for Global Engagement reserves the right to require an interview after examining your admissions materials if we would like more information before our admissions decision.
Duquesne is a holistic institution that takes into consideration other skills outside of academic life, such as teamwork, leadership, initiative and compassion.

English Requirements

PTEMin 48
IELTSMin 6
TOEFLMin 70

Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Performance at Duquesne University

How to Apply for Bachelor of Performance at Duquesne University

Prospective undergraduate students may apply to Duquesne University directly through our Future Focused Application, Common App or Coalition Application.