Composition and Musicianship

This introductory class helps students become proficient in the fundamentals of music literacy. Students will improve their note-reading in treble and bass clefs, as well as rhythm reading in simple meters. They also will learn major scales and key signatures, minor scales and key signatures, and intervals.

The Online Fundamentals 1 class is conducted asynchronously through Google Classroom, so students can work through the material at their own pace. The class is open to all ages, though younger students will find it helpful to work through with a parent or teacher.  Students can join at any time during the year.

No placement assignment is required to join Music Theory and Ear Training Fundamentals I.

This class builds on the topics covered in Music Theory and Ear Training Fundamentals I. It is designed for students who can: 

• Fluently read notes in both treble and bass clef
• Fluently count rhythms in simple meter
• Build and identify major and minor scales and key signatures
• Demonstrate proficiency with basic aural skills 

Students in this class will further develop their skills in those areas, while also gaining proficiency with tonal harmony. Topics will include compound meter, intervals, triads, seventh chords, diatonic chords, analysis of diatonic harmony, and basic formal analysis. Singing with solfege, musical dictation, and other ear training skills also will be covered.

The Online Fundamentals 2 class is conducted asynchronously through Google Classroom, so students can work through the material at their own pace. The class is open to all ages, though younger students will find it helpful to work through with a parent or teacher.  Students can join at any time during the year.

Students interested in moving into this class must complete a placement assignment.

Grades 7–Adult
Saturdays, 2:45–3:45 p.m.

Each year, the HCD offers an advanced musicianship class focusing on different topic. Past themes have included “Analyzing to Interpret” (2020-21), “Counterpoint” (2019-20), and “Historical Styles from the Middle Ages to Today” (2018-19).

The theme for 2021-22 is Sight-reading. This class will help students to better sight-read music on their instruments through a focus on rhythm reading, pitch reading, sight-singing, and performing on their instrument individually and in groups. 

This class is open to students who have completed Music Theory and Ear Training Fundamentals 1 (or equivalent) and who have been playing their instrument for at least 3 years. If you have not done Music Theory and Ear Training Fundamentals 1 at the HCD but have comparable experience, please contact Dr. Jessica Rudman (rudman@hartford.edu) to discuss possible admittance to the class. 

The class will meet for 12 sessions, beginning on Jan. 22 and ending on May 7.

YCP participants work with a faculty composer in one-hour classes from November to May. The small class size fosters a collaborative environment and allows students to spend a considerable amount of time on personal projects. Class time is typically divided between instruction on various compositional techniques and group discussion of the students' in-progress pieces.

In addition to the regular class meetings, YCP also includes a number of special activities for the students. In the past, these have included master classes with visiting composers, behind the scenes visits to rehearsals of local ensembles, and a special reading/recording session in which advanced students performed each others’ works.

YCP is for students in grades 6–12 with an interest in:

• Learning to express themselves through music
• Gaining a deeper understanding of how music works
• Sharing their music with other students
• Studying with active and enthusiastic mentor composers
• Working with professional musicians
• Hearing their music realized in live performance

Students of all levels are welcome. Previous composition experience is not required, though students should be comfortable reading music. Intermediate/advanced students are welcome in YCP, and/or are encouraged to consider private composition lessons.

Classes will be scheduled based on student availability. Students will indicate their availability when registering, and they will be placed into an appropriate class. They will be notified of their placement the week after the registration deadline, and classes will start in November.

We will make every effort to place all interested students into an appropriate class. Sections must meet enrollment minimums to run. If we are not able to place a student because of scheduling, we will contact the family as soon as possible.  

If you are interested in joining after the registration deadline, please contact Dr. Rudman at rudman@hartford.edu for more information. 

Tuition

$475

Registration deadline

November 1
Classes will start mid-November

Hearing one’s music realized by live performers is essential to growing as a composer. In 2021-22, YCP participants will have the opportunity to participate in reading sessions with the Connecticut Youth Symphony. 

This is a unique chance to write for a large ensemble of advanced high school performers and work with a professional conductor. Students will compose a short piece for the ensemble across the school year. They will receive feedback on their work from YCP faculty and from CYS’s conductor Dr. Daniel D’Addio. They will have an opportunity to hear their piece in progress and make revisions before a final public reading session scheduled for May 22. Students will also receive recordings of the readings for their own personal use. 

Participants will use relevant music software to communicate their ideas.  Access to a computer to complete work outside of class is required. If you would like recommendations on software (including free options for those starting out) or have questions about the use of technology in this program, please contact Dr. Rudman at rudman@hartford.edu.

Aiden Caron - Somewhere Between Home and the Heavens 

Helkin F. Sosa - La Conquista - I. Hernán Cortés

Benjamin Rickevicius- A Duet for Two Guitars 

Students must be in grades 9 through 12 with a minimum of 3 years of musical study on their instrument of choice. They must read music, and have a solid understanding of time and key signatures. This course is open to all instrumentalists as well as vocal students.