Our Music Department offers a wide variety of lessons, classes and ensembles for children and adults of all ages and abilities. Whether you are an advanced instrumentalist or vocalist seeking excellent private instruction and amazing performance ensembles, or if you are an adult hoping to start piano lessons, we have something for you.

Starting with the very young, children ages birth through five and their parents can take classes through our First Steps in Music Program. First Steps is a unique introduction to creative movement and musical expression designed by a leader in early childhood education.

School-aged children can begin an instrument of their choice through private lessons or Suzuki instruction, or choose vocal and choral study through the internationally-recognized Connecticut Children's Chorus open to students with basic musical skill for grades one through twelve. As students grow and improve, opportunities develop appropriately. We offer a comprehensive ensemble program for instrumental and choral study with a variety of achievement levels for all children.

Advanced musicians take part in the Connecticut Youth Symphony, Greater Hartford Youth Wind Ensemble, Connecticut Children's Chorus Concert Choir, and Performer's Certificate Program. Each of these programs features qualities that are desired and necessary for the pre-professional musician intending to advance their studies in a serious manner, possibly hoping to major or minor in music when they go to college. Our advanced ensembles perform frequently in the local and regional area, pursue regular national and international performance-oriented trips, and receive special invitations to perform with top professional organizations such as the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, New Haven Symphony Orchestra, and others.

For the adult, we offer private study in all vocal and instrumental types. We also feature ensemble opportunities designed specifically to meet the musical and social needs of the adult student. From the Joza Karas Adult String Ensemble, to various types of chamber ensembles, the beginner through advanced adult student can grow musically at Hartt. Beginning adults who are not yet comfortable with private study, or not yet ready for an ensemble that requires some level of achievement, we offer adult classes in piano and voice. No matter what your interest or experience, come to Hartt and enjoy the experience of music-making.