University of Hartford

What you'll study

The curriculum combines one-to-one instruction with ensemble work, music theory, ear training and studies in music history and literature. Typical components include private lessons on your principal instrument or voice, large and small ensembles, chamber music, orchestral or band repertoire, and solo recital preparation.

Core academic modules generally cover musicianship (aural skills and sight-singing), harmony and counterpoint, form and analysis, 20th/21st-century techniques, score reading and conducting basics. Composition majors focus on composition workshops, orchestration and electronic music; performance majors focus on extended repertoire, audition preparation and stagecraft. Music education paths include pedagogy, curriculum design, classroom practice and student teaching practicum; music therapy tracks include clinical practicum and interdisciplinary courses if pursuing that credential.

Practical milestones typically include juries, mid-degree recitals and a senior or final recital/portfolio. Students also have opportunities for collaborative projects with theatre and dance, chamber tours, masterclasses with visiting artists and community engagement placements.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent and demonstrate a strong musical background. Admission requires an audition — live or recorded — showcasing repertoire appropriate to the chosen major, and may include sight-reading, tonal memory/aural tests and an interview. Composition applicants submit scores and recordings; applicants for music education or music therapy should highlight relevant experience with young people or clinical settings.

Typical supporting materials include academic transcripts and letters of recommendation. Standardised tests may be considered but are often optional; requirements can vary by major, so contact the admissions office or the Hartt School for programme-specific audition guidelines and required documentation.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of careers in the music and performing-arts sector. Common paths include orchestral, chamber and solo performance; teaching in schools, private studios and community programmes; composition and arranging for concert, media and commercial contexts; and roles in music therapy (when the degree track meets clinical training requirements).

Other destinations include arts administration, music production and recording, music publishing, freelance musicianship, conducting, and further study at conservatoires or university postgraduate programmes. The degree is designed to provide both the artistic skills and the practical experience — such as internships and workshops — that employers and postgraduate programmes seek.

Why study at University of Hartford

The Hartt School within the University of Hartford is a specialised conservatory environment offering intensive, personalised training with experienced faculty who are active performers, composers and educators. Small class sizes and frequent performance opportunities allow students to develop their craft and build a professional portfolio.

Students benefit from dedicated rehearsal and performance spaces, regular masterclasses and visiting artists, and interdisciplinary collaboration with theatre and dance programmes. The school’s connections with regional arts organisations and community partners support internships, teaching placements and real-world experience that help launch professional careers in music and the performing arts.