History

The Hartt School is an internationally acclaimed conservatory with innovative programs in music, dance, and theatre. In 1920, Julius Hartt, Moshe Paranov and associated teachers founded The Hartt School, which became one of the three founding institutions of the University of Hartford in 1957. Home to the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz, Full Force Dance Theatre, and the Lions Gate Trio, The Hartt School stresses excellence in the performing arts. Alongside traditional performance-oriented majors in instrumental and vocal music performance, jazz, music theatre, actor training, and dance, programs that stress the academic side of the arts also are available. Studies in music history, music theory, music education, and music composition form a well-rounded school creating not only talented performers, but well educated musicians. As well as the more traditional majors, Hartt offers cutting-edge programs in management and music production and technology and a cooperative program in Acoustical Engineering and Music with the College of Engineering, Technology and Architecture.

With a strong tradition of excellence, Hartt continues to provide students with talented artist-faculty. Recognized nationally and internationally as performers, educators, composers, and scholars, Hartt faculty members are active, talented artists who continue to excel in the arts. Through performances, recordings, books, articles, major awards, grants, and fellowships the faculty set an excellent example for their students. Interaction between faculty and students provides the framework for the development of future professional performing artists, arts managers, composers, music and production technologists, and teachers. A strong commitment to the select student body insures a high quality of education that is seen through the successes of Hartt's alumni.

A wide range of performance opportunities are provided to Hartt's students. Musicians benefit from participation in large orchestral, wind, or choral ensembles. Smaller chamber music ensembles as well as solo opportunities help to create well-rounded musicians. Each year master classes are given by such greats as Pam Frank, Joseph Alessi, David Kim, and Warren Jones. Hartt also boasts Performance 20/20, a highly competitive, full-scholarship, honors chamber music program that provides the top Hartt students with the opportunity to perform. Future music educators have years of hands-on practical training with children from The Hartt School Community Division and area schools. Management majors have the special opportunity to participate in a comprehensive internship program. Interns have worked at the The Bushnell, The Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Sony Records, and The Comcast Theatre

Dancers are trained in the art of both classical and contemporary theatrical dance, focusing on technique, performance, choreography and pedagogy.  They develop skills and techniques through rigorous daily training, special workshops and large-scale productions.  Guest artists and faculty, who are members or former members of major dance companies, instruct, choreograph, and re-stage significant choreographic works and also create original works on Hartt dancers.  Dancers have the opportunities to perform, teach, and choreograph, ensuring a comprehensive preparation for the highly competitive profession.

The Theatre Division provides training, performance opportunities, and professional contacts to prepare students for successful careers in the competitive world of professional theatre.  Hartt's theatre training program is distinguished by several unique elements.  Hartt students study with preeminent theatre artists from the British theatre in the United Kingdom.  It also has a unique "Partnership in Training" with the Tony Award-winning theatres, Hartford Stage and Goodspeed Musicals.

For nearly four decades, the growth of The Hartt School was nurtured by the philanthropy of Alfred C. Fuller, founder of the famous Fuller Brush Company. The generosity of Mr. Fuller helped to create scholarship opportunities that continue to benefit Hartt students. Additional support from the Fuller family enabled Hartt to build the beautiful Alfred C. Fuller Music Center, the four-story building that houses The Hartt School. In the same spirit of generosity demonstrated by her husband, Mary Primrose Fuller left a bequest of 19.8 million dollars to ensure a continuing support for Hartt programs.

The Hartt School of the University of Hartford is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music, the National Association of Schools of Dance, and the National Association of Schools of Theatre. Its programs in music education are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and Hartt shares the University of Hartford accreditation by the Commission of Higher Education of the State of Connecticut and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.