The Hartt School Community Division

A variety of noncredit activities is offered through the Community Division of The Hartt School. The Community Division provides not only music and dance instruction for students preparing to enter the field of music, dance, and theatre, but also training and experiences for individuals of all ages and levels of experience who wish to enhance their ability and knowledge. Study is offered in 28- and 34-week increments plus a summer session. More than 2,500 students, including many enrolled at the University of Hartford, participate in Community Division activities each year.

The Hartt Community Division offers a comprehensive program for the study of instrumental music. Private lessons are available for all orchestral instruments, in addition to piano, organ, and guitar. Precollege students may participate in a variety of ensembles, including Concert Ensemble for middle school students and the Greater Hartford Youth Wind Ensemble and Connecticut Youth Symphony for advanced high school students.

The Community Division has one of the most successful Suzuki programs in the nation, offering instruction for violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, guitar, and flute. The Suzuki program includes five string orchestras, multiple group classes, weekend workshops, and the week-long Hartt Suzuki Institute in early August.

For vocalists, opportunities include private voice lessons and regular master classes. Precollege students, beginning at age 6, may participate in the five premier ensembles of the Connecticut Children’s Chorus. Choral ensembles regularly perform with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.

The Community Division Dance department offers programs for beginning through advanced students at the Handel Performing Arts Center. Serious pre-college dancers participate in either the Ballet or Modern Theater dance programs, which provide intensive training and unique performance opportunities. In addition, classes in Jazz, Salsa, Hip-Hop, Yoga and Pilates are offered.

Early childhood education in music is offered through the First Steps in Music program. Parents, along with their infant and toddler children, attend music and movement classes together, thereby providing a foundation for future study in the performing arts. Adult students also have many opportunities for participation at the Community Division, including private instruction, dance classes and adult string and wind ensembles.

All programs of the Community Division are open as noncredit options to University of Hartford students. Community Division students enjoy access to the Mildred P. Allen Memorial Library and to all events presented by The Hartt School.

For further information, contact the Hartt Community Division at 860.768.4451, visit the website at www.hcd.hartford.edu, or visit the Community Division office in room 19 of the Fuller Music Center.