You belong here.
The Mary Pappert School of Music (MPSOM) believes in the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). In everything we do, we aim to:
- promote the integration of DEI into all operations of our school in a way that is constructive, demonstrable, and sustainable
- increase cultural awareness and responsibility among all community members
- develop strategies to address disparities and respond to the changing needs of the diverse MPSOM community
- create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive culture of belonging that celebrates diversity, encourages good-faith dialogue, and empowers all members of our community to thrive
Full Spectrum: Exploring the Role of Music in the Autism Community
FULL SPECTRUM is a free musical event series designed to connect families and individuals in the autism community to one another through a common love and enjoyment of music. Events are offered every Saturday during the month of April from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Mary Pappert School of Music. Attend just one session or join us for all four!
Recent Highlights
Violins of Hope
The Mary Pappert School of Music was honored to present the opening concert of the Violins of Hope’s visit to Pittsburgh. Members of the Pittsburgh Symphony joined students and faculty in presenting a variety of music related to the Holocaust, the Jewish experience and attempts to ban music not deemed ideologically and ethnically "pure."
Miguel Espinoza Fusion
In October, Miguel Espinoza Fusion presented two magnificent days of master classes, workshops, presentations, and concerts. This world-class ensemble brings together its firm roots in flamenco, classical, and jazz styles with North African, Celtic, and Brazilian musical traditions for a sound that is transformative, vibrant, and deeply emotive. Our students were electrified by the opportunity to play for the ensemble, hear them perform at close range, and speak with them about their work engaging audiences and creating connections through music.
Collaborative Ensemble Hosts Anita Levels
The Mary Pappert School of Music's Collaborative Ensemble had the pleasure of working with community guest artist Anita Levels for their December concert. This visit was made possible due to a grant awarded to Dr. Joseph Sheehan, Associate Professor of Musicianship and director of the ensemble.
A Message from the Dean
The Mary Pappert School of Music is proud of our continuing efforts to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion into an innovative music education. Across a wide range of training and performance opportunities that engage with local Pittsburgh communities and diverse musical cultures, we are committed to ensuring a robust music education that prepares you for a professional life in music.
Faculty/Staff DEI Committee
Benjamin Binder
Chair of Faculty/Staff DEI Committee; Associate Professor of Musicianship; Chair of Musicianship
Thomas Carsecka
Director of Music Admissions and Community Programs
Caron Daley
Associate Professor of Music; Director of Choral Activities; Ensemble Area Coordinator
Carrie McCormack
Assistant to the Deans
Noah Potvin
Associate Professor of Music Therapy; Chair of Music Education and Music Therapy
Kevin Lee Sun
Assistant Professor of Piano
DEI Student Sub-Committee
Catherine Hammes
Chair of DEI Student Sub-Committee
Abbey Herbage
Ruth Sheyko
Tabby Sheyko
University Resources
The University has numerous resources in place surrounding these topics:
- Duquesne University DEI
- Bias Education Response Team (BERT), a multidisciplinary team whose purpose is to provide educational responses to bias incidents that occur within the campus community, restoring feelings of belonging
- The Center for Excellence in Diversity and Student Inclusion
- Teaching for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (resources for faculty from the Center for Teaching Excellence)
- Center for Global Engagement
- Office of Disability Services
- The Center for Student Wellbeing, including counseling, health, and recreation services
Learn about the audition process and guidelines for admission to the Mary Pappert
School of Music.Ready to take the next step?