Welcome to the Department of Music at the University of Pittsburgh!

Housed within the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Music is a vibrant and inclusive community that invites students from across the University to engage deeply with music as scholars, performers, creators, and listeners. We serve undergraduate and graduate students, music majors and minors, and also contribute meaningfully to the cultural life of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area and the broader scholarly and musical communities.

Our department embraces an integrated approach to the study of music, with focused learning in composition and theory, ethnomusicology, jazz studies, and musicology. Students explore music through a dynamic and innovative curriculum that balances artistic creativity, critical inquiry, and performance. Our courses are led by distinguished faculty with international reputations in their fields.

Our programs are intentionally small, creating a close-knit learning environment where approximately 50 undergraduate music majors and 40 graduate students benefit from individualized attention. With just 14 full-time academic faculty members, students enjoy small classes, close mentorship, and engaging classroom discussions, along with rich opportunities to collaborate and perform.

The Department offers the Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in music (note: we do not offer degrees in music education).

We welcome participation from the entire University community in our wide range of performing ensembles. These include ensembles in world music, jazz, folk, and classical traditions—providing all students, regardless of major, the chance to engage in meaningful musical experiences and perform in both formal and informal settings.

Whether you're considering a degree in music or simply looking to continue your musical journey alongside your academic studies, we invite you to join our community and discover the many ways music thrives at Pitt.