Private Music Instruction

Private music lessons are some of the Community Division's most popular programs. We offer instruction for students of any age or ability level in:

• Guitar
• Harp
• Organ
• Percussion
• Piano including traditional and Suzuki instruction
• Strings (violin, viola, cello & bass) including traditional and Suzuki instruction
• Voice
• Winds and Brass (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, baritone, tuba)

Listen to one of our students performing at a school recital (age 6):

 

 

Students can begin instruction at various ages depending upon the instrument. Please contact our office for specific questions and details about appropriate starting ages for the instrument of your choice. Wind and brass students are typically in grade 3 or higher and should have permanent front teeth. Piano and string students can start as young as age 4 and should discuss Suzuki versus traditional instruction according to age and instrument. Voice lessons typically start after age 10; younger students are encouraged to participate in the Connecticut Children's Chorus which provides a fantastic training and vocal development program for young voices.

Music instruction is offered at the University of Hartford campus, Simsbury at Simsmore Square, Middletown, and South Windsor; and at the Kingswood-Oxford school. Lessons may be 30, 45, or 60 minutes in length, and are given weekly during a standard school year of 34 weeks (September-June) and one 6-week summer session. Some satellite locations offer shorter sessions due to school schedules. Tuition Rates vary depending on the number and length of the lessons, and need-based financial aid may be available through the Fund for Access. New students should call the Community Division office at 860-768-4451 to determine faculty assignments, or submit an online request for private lessons. Beginning students are normally assigned to faculty members based on availability, while advanced students can be screened carefully by the department chairs before being placed with appropriate faculty.

 

Benefits for Students (Included in the Cost of Private Instruction)

Performance Opportunities - Students may participate in special concerts, studio recitals, regularly scheduled school-wide recitals, and a variety of department sponsored workshops and masterclasses. The pre-college program also motivates students through yearly departmental honors recitals.

Discounted Ensembles - Private lesson students are eligible for reduced tuition for our chamber music, choral, and theatre ensembles. Free tuition for orchestras and bands is also extended to private lesson students.

Regular Evaluation - All students receive a written evaluation each year from the instructor plus additional informal assessments as needed but ongoing. Piano students may choose to participate in yearly evaluations by an outside adjudicator.

Awards and Talent Recognitions - Each department has an annual honors audition and concert that recognizes the most talented students. In addition, the school offers a variety of talent scholarships by department, generally presented at the honors concerts.

Theory Instruction - All students can attend free group theory and music history classes. Click here for the 2009-2010 Class Schedules!

Class dates for this coming year will be held on Saturdays as follows:

October 3, 10, 24, 31
November 7, 14, 21
December 12, 19
January 9, 16
February 27
March 6, 13, 20, 27
April 3, 10, 24
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Resources/Facilities - All students have access to the Mildred P. Allen Music Library and are entitled to discounts at Hartt events. A Community Division student ID card is required to use the library and to receive discounts at concerts. ID's can be picked up in the Community Division Office.