<p>I'm wondering if anyone can tell me about jazz studies at Hartt. S is a HS senior looking for a performance major in jazz piano. He's been to summer programs at Eastman and UNT, and is planning to apply to Eastman, NEC, IU, and Temple. He's thinking he needs another option where he has at least a reasonable chance of acceptance. We're not from the Northeast and Univ. of Hartford is not in any of our college guide books, so we don't know anything about it other than from the website and information I've found on CC. Any information on the jazz studies dept. or the university in general would be most helpful.</p>
<p>Hi jazzkat. I am the mom of a sophomore jazz guitarist at NEC, and I got loads of help here on this forum back when he was applying! My son auditioned at Hartt. We thought it was a solid school with serious teachers. If your son is a top conservatory-level musician, Hartt may offer him money, too. Other parents here have direct experience with Hartt. My only one opinionated thing to say is that I think Hartt is much stronger for classical than for jazz, though it’s been two years now since we were there. </p>
<p>Any questions about NEC I would be glad to answer.</p>
<p>jazzkat, look for the user name “Hartt Admissions”, who has posted on this site. You can PM or email them for additional information.</p>
<p>Our S is a tuba performance major in the master’s program at Hartt. He also plays bass and enjoys recording so hopes to find like minds at the school to work with.</p>
<p>Hartt has great merit awards based on audition results.</p>
<p>I could have sworn I posted a reply to this and another thread about an hour ago??</p>
<p>Did anyone happen to see it? </p>
<p>That’s three today.</p>
<p>The Jazz Studies major at The Hartt School, University of Hartford ([The</a> Hartt School](<a href=“http://www.hartford.edu/hartt]The”>The Hartt School - University of Hartford)) was founded by late jazz saxophone legend Jackie McLean. He passed on his high standards for artistry and education to his students, and that legacy continues today. Under the tutelage of Hartts internationally acclaimed jazz faculty students receive abundant performance opportunities, weekly private instruction, study in the history of African American music, techniques of improvisation, and jazz arranging, as well as Hartts challenging core music curriculum. Jazz Studies students master jazz styles from Bebop to present. We offer an intimate program seeking only the necessary instrumentation for 9 combos and one big band.</p>
<p>Students interact with internationally recognized jazz musicians every week through private lessons, in classes, rehearsals, performances, workshops, and master classes. Mentoring is the core of Hartts jazz program. Hartt jazz students have recently played out on gigs with faculty in NYC, on tour in Ireland, in concerts with jazz legends Curtis Fuller and Hank Jones, and opening for alumna Dionne Warwicks on-campus concert. Students choosing a career as a jazz musician understand that their career goal is a life of gigging. Through performances with Hartts faculty and Hartts GigLine students have opportunities to play throughout the region in a variety of festivals, venues, and for special events. Careers begin here at Hartt through these experiences and relationships fostered by the faculty and our intimate program. </p>
<p>Jazz piano students will take weekly lessons from Andy Laverne (<a href=“http://www.andylaverne.com/[/url]”>http://www.andylaverne.com/</a>). They will also participate in ensembles coached by Shawnn Monteiro, Nat Reeves, Steve Davis, René McLean, Chris Casey, and Rick Rozie. </p>
<p>Recent master class instructors include Hank Jones, Randy Weston, Curtis Fuller, Eddie Henderson (Hartt Master Teacher), Randy Johnston (Hartt Master Teacher), Christian McBride, Larry Willis, Wynton Marsalis, Dena DeRose, Harold Mabern, Tony Reedus, Don Sickler, Cedar Walton, Eric Alexander, Jim Rotondi, David Hazeltine, Joe Farnsworth, Barry Harris, Dr. Yusef Lateef, Jimmy Heath, One For All, and Hartt Alumni Abraham Burton, Mike DiRubbo, and Jimmy Greene.</p>
<p>Jazz Performing Organizations
The Hartt School provides students with a variety of performance opportunities to create a diverse performing arts series. Jazz Studies majors are required to participate in eight semesters of jazz combos or big band. </p>
<p>Hartt Concert Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Combos
The Jazz Guitar Ensemble
Hartt Jazz Trumpet Ensemble</p>
<p>Thanks for the thorough information. That’s very helpful. Also, S is interested in continuing his classical piano studies. Is that possible while pursuing the jazz studies degree?</p>
<p>Yes, he can continue classical lessons through our Community Division during the semesters that he feels he has time. Hartt Community Division: [The</a> Hartt School Community Division](<a href=“http://hcd.hartford.edu/]The”>http://hcd.hartford.edu/).</p>