Performance and Lecture Series

The University of Pittsburgh Department of Music is proud to offer one of the region’s most diverse ranges of concert series. Whether you love flawless choral singing, musical traditions from around the world, outstanding contemporary composers, living legends of jazz, or adventurous orchestral programs, you can hear it at Pitt.

The Department of Music encourages its students to participate in performance in classes, private lessons, ensembles, and concerts. Students from all over the University participate in musical activities and performances, and are often joined in the ensembles by faculty and members of the community at large.

Our ensembles perform a wide variety of music, including Western art music, jazz, folk music, popular music, and music of non-Western cultures. Several ensembles make recordings and take part in tours to foreign countries.

Our guest artists series such as the Jazz Seminar and Concert and Music on the Edge give students and the community the experience of seeing and hearing performers who are leaders in their respective genres. Visiting performers often share their ideas and motivations through workshops, lectures, and informal chats before or after concerts.

Students also participate in informal ensembles for performance at the Thursday Noon Concerts or Music Mondays at Bellefield and similar occasions. Instruction for Credit Students may enroll in private lessons, class piano (Music 121), or class guitar (Music 122). The number of subsidies for private lessons is limited, so first opportunities go to declared music majors and students participating in one of the major ensembles. Chamber music may be taken for 1 credit per semester (Music 672). Undergraduates may also enroll in one of the ensembles for 1 credit per semester.

Ensembles

Students from all over the University participate in musical activities and performances, and are often joined in the ensembles by faculty and members of the community at large.

Guest Artist Series

Our guest artists series such as the Jazz Seminar and Concert, Music on the Edge, and Ensemble in Residence IonSound Project give students and the community the experience of seeing and hearing performers who are leaders in their respective genres. Visiting performers often share their ideas and motivations through workshops, lectures, and informal chats before or after concerts.

Visiting Scholar Series

Each semester the Department of Music presents visiting scholars who are leaders in their fields. All Visiting Scholar Lectures are free to the public.

Performance Faculty

Our performance faculty are established professionals in Pittsburgh's vibrant music scene. They share a rich combination of musical excellence and practical experience, providing students with a solid understanding of what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of music.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are given by our performance faculty, as well as by some members of the academic faculty.