The University of Hartford's Hartt School: A Comprehensive Performing Arts Conservatory

The Hartt School at the University of Hartford stands as a premier performing arts conservatory, offering comprehensive programs in music, dance, and theatre. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, Hartt provides students with abundant opportunities to hone their skills through more than 400 performances, recitals, lectures, and master classes each year.

Experiential Learning and Performance Opportunities

At Hartt, the philosophy is that the best way to learn and perfect your craft is by doing. This commitment translates into a vibrant performance calendar, boasting over 400 events annually. These opportunities include performances, recitals, lectures, and master classes, providing students with invaluable stage experience and exposure to diverse artistic perspectives. Furthermore, Hartt fosters partnerships with renowned organizations like the Hartford Symphony, Hartford Stage, and Goodspeed Musicals, further enriching the learning experience through real-world collaborations.

Divisions and Programs

Hartt is composed of three main divisions: Music, Dance, and Theatre, each offering a range of specialized programs.

Music Division

The Music Division at Hartt offers an extensive array of degree programs, encompassing instrumental performance, composition, jazz, music education, and vocal performance. Students can concentrate in classical music, jazz, commercial music, and various other genres. Faculty members are working musicians who perform as soloists, with orchestras, and in chamber music ensembles, bringing real-world experience into the classroom. Degrees are also offered in music management, music production and technology, and performing arts management, catering to students interested in the business side of the industry.

Instrumental Music

Hartt's instrumental music program emphasizes traditional skills, classical practice, and contemporary techniques. Students receive training in performance, pedagogy, and career development, preparing them for a career as a performer. Solo, chamber, and large ensemble opportunities provide experience in standard repertoire and new works.

Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz

The Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz aims to develop students' aspirations and skills in the art form of jazz.

Music Education

Hartt's music education program prepares students to become highly sought-after professionals who teach in schools across the country. Students begin working in area music programs during their first year and student teach in their fourth year, supported by internationally recognized faculty, experienced graduate students, and in-service music teachers.

Music History, Theory, and Composition

Hartt provides a thorough grounding in music history, which enhances the study of theory, performance, and other musical endeavors. The music theory program prepares students for graduate studies in music theory.

Music Management, Production & Technology, and Performing Arts Management

Hartt offers programs for students interested in the business side of music, including music management, music production & technology, and performing arts management. The music production & technology program trains musicians to become music production professionals (i.e. recording, mixing, and mastering engineers). The performing arts management program teaches students the skills to have a career in the performing arts of the commercial music business. Students can concentrate in areas such as the recording industry, touring, arts marketing, fundraising, for and non-profit management, and entrepreneurial studies.

Dance Division

Hartt’s Dance Division provides professionally-focused conservatory training for students aspiring to careers as performing artists or dance educators. The program centers on rigorous technical studies in classical ballet and modern dance, complemented by contemporary techniques to equip graduates for leadership roles in the field.

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Theatre Division

Hartt’s Theatre Division offers a rigorous training program designed to prepare students for successful professional careers in the theatre.

Notable Alumni

Hartt School alumni have made significant contributions to the performing arts, excelling in diverse fields from Broadway to orchestral conducting.

Leslie Walker ’19: Walker realized her dream of performing on Broadway, making her debut in the revival of "Funny Girl" as an original cast member. She also appeared with her cast on Good Morning America, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, and attended the 2023 Tony Awards.
Bobbi Giel: Giel's passion for music production took off during her time at The Hartt School. She also took courses outside of her focus in music, including ones at the Barney School of Business (she received a minor in Business Administration) and at CETA.
Ane Arrieta ’20: A Hartt School dance alumna, Arrieta debuted with the Martha Graham Dance Company at Jacob's Pillow dance festival.
Daniela Bovell: Bovell's musical achievements have extended beyond her education at Hartt. She has made notable appearances as a guest conductor with renowned orchestras, including the Cincinnati Symphony, the Oakland Symphony, and the Chicago Sinfonietta. Bovell has also conducted performances at prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center and the Royal Albert Hall in London for the BBC Prom, and was the first black woman to conduct an opera in Canada. In addition to the 2024 Sphinx Medal of Excellence, she has been the recipient of prestigious awards such the Taki Concordia Conducting Fellowship.

Summer Programs

Hartt Summerterm offers core classes and workshops for educators, artists, and students. These programs provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in the study of music education.

Additional Opportunities

Qualified undergraduate students may participate in the University’s Honors program, which provides exceptional students the opportunity for an enriched program of study. The Honors program is flexible, allowing for a self-designed, enriched course of study. Hartt also offers study abroad opportunities, such as spending 10 weeks in England as a third year actor training student or a summer in Amsterdam dancing.

Admissions

To apply to The Hartt School, applicants must complete an application to the University of Hartford (either on Common App, or directly at www.hartford.edu/apply) and upload additional materials on Acceptd. The Acceptd submission is for pre-screening purposes in the BFA in Music Theatre and BFA in Actor Training programs.

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