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Private lessons are available throughout the year, including summer. Our distinctive faculty will help you achieve your goals whether you are a beginner or advanced student. Lessons are offered at our main campus location at the University of Hartford’s The Hartt School in West Hartford, Conn.
- Students take a private lesson once a week during our 34-week academic year (September–June). Summer private lessons are also available!
- Weekly lessons are available in 30-minute, 45-minute, or 60-minute blocks.
- Merit and need-based scholarships are available for all musical disciplines.
- HCD instructors are some of the finest artists and educators in the Northeast, many of whom are affiliated with professional organizations such as the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.
- Monthly Solo Recitals are open to all Private Lesson students.
Registration
- Step 1: Please fill out the lesson inquiry form.
- Step 2: Our HCD Administrative Team will be in contact with you to set up your initial lesson.
- Step 3: After initial lesson, registration next steps will be confirmed with the Private Lesson Coordinator.
Adding On Lessons
If you would like to register for additional lessons, please contact the HCD Administrative Team at 860.768.4451 or hcdbills@hartford.edu.
Adding a Second Instrument
If you would like to add an additional instrument, please contact the Private Lesson Coordinator at 860.768.4451 or hcdlesson@hartford.edu.
Adding an Ensemble
If you would like to add an ensemble or chamber group, please contact the Ensemble Coordinator at 860.768.4451 or hcdaud@hartford.edu.
Lesson Types
| Instrument | Age | Method/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Piano | 5 and up | Traditional and Suzuki |
| Strings | 4 and up | Traditional and Suzuki |
| Winds and Brass | 9 and up | Suzuki flute and trumpet available at a younger age |
| Percussion | 9 and up | Mallet-keyboard, timpani, snare drum, drum-set, and works percussion lessons available |
| Voice | 11 and up* | |
| Guitar | 4 and up | Variety of styles and Suzuki |
| Harp | 5 and up |
Tuition
Tuition rates vary depending upon length, method, and in some cases, teacher. Students also receive:
- reduced rates on ensemble participation (by audition)
- free or discounted tickets to Hartt performances
| Type of Lesson | 30 minutes | 45 minutes | 60 minutes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional private lessons | $46.50 | $63.50 | $84.50 |
| Suzuki piano, flute, trumpet, or French horn | $51.50 | $69.50 | $89.50 |
| Suzuki strings or guitar | $64.50 | $81.00 | $103.00 |
Additional Information
The Hartt School Community Division takes great pride in the quality of its pre-college performers. One of the ways we recognize these performers is through the Honors Program, which includes departmental auditions and recitals held each spring. Students chosen to participate are eligible for awards and merit scholarships listed below. The Honors Program is by teacher recommendation only. Students will be notified by their private teacher if they are nominated for this program.
For some departments, a Junior and Senior Honors Program is offered.
Guitar, and Harp
- Musical Club of Hartford Guitar and Harp Honors Awards
- The Guitar and Harp Senior Award
Percussion, Winds, and Brass
- Beatrice Sewall Scholarships
- The Mark W. Lord Trumpet Scholarship
- The Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion Senior Award
Piano
- Evelyn Bonar Storrs Scholarship Awards I and II (through the Musical Club of Hartford)
- Dr. Watson Morrison Scholarship
- Jeffrey Quinn Morrison Prize
Strings
- Abraham M. Huang Memorial Award
- John Jorgensen Memorial Award
- Musical Club of Hartford Scholarship Awards
- The Strings Senior Award
Voice
- Bel canto Scholarship
- Musical Club of Hartford Scholarship Awards
- The Vocal Senior Award
Piano Achievement Days are held annually in May and provide students with an opportunity to celebrate their musical growth in a supportive and encouraging environment. This comprehensive and sequential performance assessment system is reflective the rich tradition of international piano pedagogy, and the diverse educational and artistic backgrounds of HCD’s piano faculty. The program establishes clear benchmarks while allowing teachers to tailor instruction to each student individually.
Through Achievement Days, students:
- Mark their progress toward clearly defined performance goals.
- Receive constructive feedback and encouragement from Hartt piano faculty.
- Gain confidence and motivation for continued musical study.
Participation in Achievement Days may replace one private lesson during the week of the adjudications.
Open to all pre-college piano students, including those studying through the Suzuki method, Achievement Days are an integral part of the HCD piano curriculum.
During Achievement Days, students:
- Perform a prepared program of repertoire and technical requirements for a panel of HCD piano faculty.
- Receive written comments and constructive feedback.
- Earn a certificate recognizing successful completion of their performance level.
Certificates are awarded according to the Hartt Piano Performance Achievement Days curriculum: Elementary 1–4, Intermediate 1–3, Advanced 1–3, Pre-College 1–2, and a Diploma for graduating high school seniors. Progress through these levels provides students and families with meaningful benchmarks throughout their musical development.
Solo performance opportunities are an important aspect of every musician's growth and development. In addition to participation in studio and departmental recitals, we encourage students to participate in Hartt Community Division Solo Recitals, which are open to all HCD students by teacher recommendation.
The Hartt School Community Division is committed to providing access to our programming for all populations, including children and adults with special learning needs. In order to best serve students with exceptionalities, we strive to maintain an open dialogue of clear communication with families and students about their specific needs.
Although we are unable to provide the same services as public schools, or other programs that specialize in this area, we will work with each family to identify resources and support structures to help the student to succeed. If requested, HCD is able to recommend options for school programming, and will offer guidance to educators concerning appropriate and beneficial instructional activities and/or materials.
To discuss unique needs, please contact the Private Lesson Coordinator at hcdlesson@hartford.edu or call 860.768.4451. Hartt Community Division Professional Staff will facilitate dialogue with the appropriate instructor, director, and/or administrator.
Questions?
Call us at 860.768.5593 or e-mail us at hcdlesson@hartford.edu.