Graduate Studies in Music Education
Combining the rigors of conservatory training with a solid foundation in music education, the program prepares you for a career as an elementary and secondary school music educator.
In addition to general music, choral music, wind and string instrumental pedagogy, music education majors receive training in such methodologies as Kodály, Suzuki, and Orff.
Hartt's Music Education Division offers you one of the nation's most comprehensive courses of study. Combining the rigors of conservatory training with a solid foundation in music education, the program prepares you for a career as an elementary and secondary school music educator. In addition to general music, choral music, wind and string instrumental pedagogy, music education majors receive training in such methodologies as Kodály, Suzuki, and Orff.
As an undergraduate, you will pursue a four-year instrumental or vocal emphasis. Students interested in jazz (saxophone, trumpet, and trombone) can pursue a double major in Music Education and Jazz Studies (5-year program). Please note that students interested in this double major must perform a jazz and classical audition because they will receive private instruction in both areas.
The Hartt School's Music Education Division enjoys a vibrant collaboration with several area school programs. For example, at the University of Hartford Magnet School, Hartt Music Education students have the opportunity to teach lower elementary aged children in classroom settings and work with elementary students learning band and orchestral instruments in the "Hartt Band Project" and the "Hartt String Project." Through Hartt's partnership with the Simsbury Public Schools, Hartt Music Education students teach upper elementary general music classes as well as high school band and choir. These unique collaborations provide exciting "real world" learning opportunities for Hartt students prior to their student teaching. Graduates of Hartt's Music Education programs are widely sought after for teaching positions in public schools throughout New England and across the United States.
Upon successful completion of any of the undergraduate music education degree programs at Hartt, students are eligible for certification from the Connecticut State Board of Education to teach Music in grades PK-12 (a 3-year Initial Educator Certificate is the first conferred by the state). Students wishing to teach in states other than Connecticut can take advantage of reciprocity agreements between the Connecticut State Board of Education and states throughout the country.
Those interested in our Graduate Studies in Music Education and/or Hartt Summerterm can find more information on the respective pages.
An audition and interview is required for admission to the music education program. All music education applicants must complete a classical instrumental or vocal audition. In addition, applicants will have an interview with a music education faculty member that includes singing any folk song and a test, where applicants echo-sing (a capella) 24 tonal patterns and 8 rhythmic patterns of varying difficulty. Specific instrument or voice requirements can be found on Hartt Music Auditions and Interviews.
Learn more about the undergraduate or graduate application process, in-person audition dates, and deadlines on Hartt Admission.
Visit the Course Catalog for more information, and a complete list of degree requirements for Bachelor of Music Education.
Hartt Music Education faculty members are experts in the field of music education, but are also respected performers and researchers. They have extensive public school teaching experience and are leaders in early childhood, choral and instrumental music education. Faculty are nationally recognized for their research, teaching, and publications. Instructional materials written by Hartt Music Education faculty are published by Oxford University Press, Boosey and Hawkes; Holt, Rinehart and Winston; and GIA; and they are utilized nationally as teacher-training models.
Music Education, 2020
For music education major Abigail Pollock '20, the support and guidance from UHart’s faculty was key to her success. Starting in the fall, Abigail will be working as a general music teacher in Provincetown, MA. Learn more about Abigail.
My favorite thing about UHart was the faculty's level of expertise for their crafts.
Combining the rigors of conservatory training with a solid foundation in music education, the program prepares you for a career as an elementary and secondary school music educator.
Combining the rigors of conservatory training with a solid foundation in music education, the program prepares you for a career as an elementary and secondary school music educator.