The Hartt School Community Division
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Workshops for Adults & Teens

Workshops, classes and lessons to bring out the inner artist in you!

2009-2010 Workshop Series

Peak Performance Techniques
Professional Enrichment Program for Teachers\ Informative Seminar for Parents

News articles abound about the long-term benefits of peak performance techniques in the lives of professional athletes, medical and business professionals, musicians and dancers.  This training is invaluable in preparing for positive performance experiences. 

This workshop will give teachers and parents an introduction to the techniques helpful in supporting children and adolescents who experience stress and anxiety in the area of public performance.  The workshop will include an interactive demonstration of these techniques with student volunteers.

Saturday, October 24, 2009        $20
2:00 – 5:00 PM
Registration Deadline: October 16th
Roberts Theatre / Handel Performing Arts Center
Rae Tattenbaum
Peak Performance Coach, Inner Act Program

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Preparing to Audition Utilizing Peak Performance Techniques
Monologue  – Vocal – Instrumental & Dance Audition Prep

This workshop / master class is designed to benefit those preparing for college auditions, post-college auditions, professional and community auditions in all disciplines. This class will address artistry, attitude, breathing techniques, confidence, composure, commitment, content, emotional involvement, flexibility, focus, honesty and mental training.  Participants should have material prepared to perform in a master class setting.  An accompanist will be provided.

Saturday, November 21, 2009       $50.
2:00 – 5:00 PM
Registration Deadline:  November 14th
Limited to 15 participants
Simsbury Studio A, Simsmore Square, Route 10,
540 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury
Rae Tattenbaum
Peak Performance Coach, Inner Act Program

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Dynamic Presentation Skills Seminar for Professionals
Applying Performance Techniques to Delivering Presentations

Learn performance techniques that will aid you in delivering presentations and communicating effectively with others in your job and life situations. The class will focus on motivation: understanding the key messages and structure of your presentation; strengthening the voice including projection, pitch, tone, pace and inflection; increasing awareness of non-verbal and verbal communication; presenting material clearly; and exploring strategies for dealing with nerves and anxiety.

Saturday, January 16, 2010         $50
9:30 – 11:30 AM 
Registration Deadline:  January 8th
Roberts Theatre / Handel Performing Arts Center
Adrienne Milics,
President & Executive Coach, Pasnassum

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World Drumming

This course is designed for any adult who would like to explore drumming traditions from various cultures, particularly Africa, Brazil, and Cuba.  No prior musical experience is required (nor do participants need to know how to read music).  The course is entirely “hands-on” – in each class, participants will play on a variety of drums, in a variety of contexts.  Weekly musical activities will sometimes be based on traditional, authentic folkloric drumming traditions from various cultures, and at other times they will be based on a “hybrid” of various traditions. 

Participants will participate in activities that address team building, improvisation (spontaneity), communication and leadership skills, and consistency in performance.  Most importantly, the course promises to be fun and relaxing.

Mondays 9/21 – 11/30/09 (except 10/12)     $175.
6:00 – 7:15 PM    10 sessions
Registration Deadline: September 14th
Handel Performing Arts Center
Benjamin Toth
Professor of Percussion, The Hartt School

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Theater: Improv & Sketch Comedy

This class explores the basics of improvisation and comedy writing.  Using improv, acting and ensemble-building exercises, participants will work collaboratively as a class in creating original sketch comedy, political satire, and music videos.  No prior acting experience necessary. 

Sundays 
2/7, 2/21, 2/28, 3/7, 3/14, 3/28, 4/11, & 4/18/2010    
1:30 – 2:45 PM Adults                   $140. 8 sessions
3:00 – 5:00 PM Ages 12 - 18         $190. 8 sessions  
Registration Deadline: January 22nd       
The Hartt School Room 120, University of Hartford
Emma Tattenbaum-Fine, NYC based actor
Co-founder People’s Sketch Association
The Times Square Comedy Club, Improv

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Body Usage and Ergonomics for Musicians: Increasing Performance Quality while Decreasing Injury
*By working with, instead of against, your body, you can improve your technique while decreasing your chance of injury.  This three-class series will help you increase your awareness of how you use your body while playing, and assist you in deciphering what works and what doesn't.  Topics addressed will include seated and standing postures, balancing the weight of your instrument, and whole body performance (who knew that their legs had anything to do with their lung capacity or the speed of their fingers?!).  This class includes a 30 minute private session that will be specifically tailored to your interests and needs, helping you to delve even deeper into the concepts covered in class.

Saturdays 1:00 – 2:30pm  11/7, 11/21, 12/12
Plus a 30-minute private lesson                           $75
Registration Deadline: November 1st
The Hartt School, University of Hartford, Room TBD

Sundays 4:15-5:15pm  11/8, 11/15, 12/6
Plus a 30-minute private lesson                           $65
Registration Deadline: November 1st
The Hartt School, University of Hartford, Room TBD

Saturdays 1:00 – 2:30pm 2/27, 3/20, 3/27
Plus a 30-minute private lesson                           $75
Registration Deadline: February 20th
The Hartt School, University of Hartford, Room TBD

Sundays 4:15-5:15pm  2/21, 3/3, 3/21
Plus a 30-minute private lesson                           $65
Registration Deadline: February 20th
The Hartt School, University of Hartford, Room TBD

Amanda Skidmore Farasat, Aston Patterning Instructor & Horn Teacher

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Viola da Gamba Classes

Adults and teenagers are invited!  Viola da Gamba is a fretted string instrument that is bowed and similar in shape to a cello.  The instrument was used in the early music periods, particularly those of the Renaissance and Baroque times.  Students should already know how to play an instrument, preferably a stringed instrument but do not need any experience on viola da gamba.  Students under the age of 12 are also welcome if they take private lessons on gamba and have a parent accompany them to this class to serve as a home coach.  Come learn the style and sound of music from the far reaches in history.  Students of all abilities are welcome!  Rental instruments available.

Thursdays 5:15-6:00 PM

Session 1: October 1 – December 10, 2009
                        Registration Deadline: 9/26/09
Session 2:  January 7 – March 25, 2010 (excluding 2 weeks in February)
                        Registration Deadline: 1/4/10
Session 3:  April 1 – June 10, 2010
                        Registration Deadline: 3/27/10

The Hartt School, University of Hartford
Instructor:  Laura Mazza-Dixon
Cost:  $125 per 10-week session (minimum of 4 students required)

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Adult Dance & Fitness Classes

Did you dance growing up? Do you currently dance and are looking to kick it up to a higher level? Did you dance in your dreams but never in a studio? Are you currently looking for a workout that offers amazing health benefits?

Now is the time to join one of our sensational dance and/or fitness classes in ballet, modern, tap, jazz, ballroom, hip hop, pilates, yoga and more! Whatever your experience or ability, come join us and other adults for the invigorating effects of dance. All new students are eligible to try a free sample class before deciding to register.  We also offer private lessons in dance for those who prefer one-on-one instruction.

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Music Ensembles for Adults

Adult Chamber Choir

The Adult Chamber Choir ensemble is an auditioned mixed (SATB) choir that will rehearse and perform a broad spectrum of intermediate and advanced choral literature - including unaccompanied selections.  This ensemble provides wonderful social and performance opportunities - as well as a chance to make great music! Interested participants should contact Noah Glynn, Music Director at (860) 768-5546 or glynn@hartford.edu to schedule a brief audition.

Sundays: Sept, to June            $240 HCD students
6:30 - 8:30 PM                          $325 all others
The Hartt School, University of Hartford   
Noah Glynn, Music Director, HCD Voice Faculty

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Joza Karas Adult String Ensemble

The Joza Karas Adult String Ensemble, named after its founder, brings amateur adult instrumentalists together to play in a string orchestra. Rehearsals take place October - June; informal performances occur a few times a year as deemed appropriate by the ensemble director. The goal of this ensemble is to provide a venue for adult string players who would like to make music in a supportive and dynamic learning environment.  They receive instruction regarding technique and ensemble playing by exploring a wide range of musical styles and periods. The Adult String Ensemble program encourages amateur players to improve their skills while having fun with other individuals who share their love of music and playing.

Saturdays, Oct. – June         Free – HCD students
11:15- 12:45 AM                    $525. – all others
The Hartt School Room 342, University of Hartford
David Gibson, Music Director, HCD Faculty

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Early Music Ensemble for Strings, Winds and Percussion
Ideal for adults and teens with experience on their instrument, this ensemble will focus on music composed prior to 1700.  Presented in 3 10-week sessions for multiple levels of ability, participants will study music of the Baroque and Renaissance periods primarily, learn the performance styles appropriate for that period, and gain tremendous exposure and study of a wide variety of early music while enjoying social and musical interaction with others of similar interest.

Session 1: October 1 – December 10, 2009
Introduction to Early Music of the Renaissance:  An open, non-auditioned class for beginning to intermediate players with functional music reading ability and basic facility on their instrument. Repertoire will include music of the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods. 
Session 2:  January 7 – March 25, 2010 (excluding 2 weeks in February)
Music of the Shakespearean Era: Open by audition and geared toward a performance at the close of the sessions, this ensemble will study and perform music from the Shakespearean Era for plucked and bowed strings, recorder and voice.
Session 3:  April 1 – June 10, 2010
Henry Purcell and English Country Dance Music: Open by audition and geared toward a performance at the close of the sessions, this ensemble will study music from the Playford Collections of English County Dance tunes, and Purcell's music for the theatre.  Our final performance will include dancers.

Thursdays                     $100 per 10-week session
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Min. 10 students
The Hartt School, University of Hartford
Laura Mazza-Dixon, Instructor
Viola da Gamba & Guitar

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Individual Music Lessons

Vocal and Instrumental Private Instruction

We offer private music lessons in voice, piano, guitar, harp, violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium/baritone, tuba, and percussion. Regardless of your experience, whether a beginner, intermediate or advanced, learn from the best teachers in the area and bring your musical studies and skills to the next level.

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Free Workshops for Adults & Teens

Early Music Workshops
Designed as an introduction to Early Music & Dance, the Hartt Community Division will be offering a series of free workshops throughout the year.  Workshops will take the form of a music reading session or ‘sing/play along’ and will be offered periodically on Saturday afternoons throughout the year.  Topics include the following:

  1. Henry Purcell and English Country Dance, Thursday, September 24, 2009; 6:00-7:30 PM
  2. Sacred Voices of the Renaissance, Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 7-8:30 PM (Instructor, Noah Glynn)
  3. Renaissance Christmas for strings and choir, Saturday, December 12, 2009; 12:00-4:00 PM
  4. Recorder Consort (ensemble for recorders), Thursday, January 7, 2010; 5:30-7:00 PM
  5. Viol Consort, Saturday, January 9, 2010, 3:00-4:30 PM (Instructor, Laura Mazza-Dixon)
  6. The Renaissance Guitar, Saturday, March 27, 2010, 12:45 – 2:15 PM
  7. Bach and More! For Strings, Sunday, March 28, 2010; 4:30-6:00 PM (Instructor, Emlyn Ngai)

Best Practices for Body Alignment
Do you wish that you had better posture and balance? Come join us for a free introductory workshop and discover the benefits of Aston Kinetics and Alexander Technique.  You’ll be amazed with the benefits of these programs, how they’ll help improve the natural balance of your body and prevent injury, improve lung capacity and overall function as you use your body.

Alexander Technique
Learn how the Alexander Technique can help you! This course will be especially helpful for musicians, performing artists or anyone who would like to eliminate physical discomfort and learn to move their body with greater ease and control. Through group activity and one-on-one instruction you will begin to improve your body awareness and reduce unnecessary muscle tension, allowing you to perform and play at your best while keeping your body safe.

Improving Body Usage and Performance, Decreasing Injury, and Increasing Enjoyment on Your Instrument
An introduction to The Aston System for Musicians, this introductory workshop will teach you how to find your optimal playing position (each person's is different!).  Please bring two bath towels, your instrument, and a desire to improve your playing.

    • Aston Patterning, Saturday, October 24, 2009 1:00 – 2:30pm
    • Aston Patterning, Sunday, October 25, 2009 4:15-5:15pm
    • Alexander Technique, Saturday, November 7, 2009 1:00 – 2:30pm
    • Aston Patterning, Saturday, January 23, 2010 1:00 – 2:30pm
    • Alexander Technique, Sunday, February 7, 2010, 4:15 – 5:15pm
    • Alexander Technique, Saturday, May 1, 2010, 1:00 – 2:30pm

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