<p>I've heard some negative things about the U of Hartford in general, but was wondering if anyone has had personal experience with the conservatory? It's on my list of possible transfer schools. If it helps to know, I'm a female vocalist, performance major with an interest in opera. Thanks :)</p>
<p>D3 is entering her second year as a viola performance major at Hartt. She has several friends who are vocalists, and tells me it’s a strong program.</p>
<p>In general, our experience has been that the Hartt students are stronger academically than most UHart students, and while they do share dorms and general education classes, it’s fair to say that the Hartt students live a life somewhat separate from the rest of the university.</p>
<p>Son just graduated with a music performance masters from Hartt last month.
Hartt, like a few of the other schools within U of H, is a distinct entity.
Son found his peers at Hartt to be serious musicians but the general feeling was more supportive than cut throat competition.<br>
The physical buildings are kinda worn and sad looking, which mattered not to our son.
West Hartford is lovely, Hartford not so much.</p>
<p>The Hartt students do not wander far from the music complex except for a very few general ed classes, according to son.</p>
<p>Hartt also offers generous merit money based on audition which was a factor for our family. </p>
<p>We thoroughly enjoyed attending performances (we are in NJ) and his final recital weekend was wonderful. He played in several friends’ recitals as well so we had a chance to hear more than his one performance.</p>
<p>Hartt’s VP program no longer enjoys the same level of respect that it used to, and that’s a shame since they have nice facilities. I won’t go into it here, but it’s safe to say to find a teacher whom you trust and who will keep vocal health paramount.
Transferring among conservatories can be tricky and you may lose some credits or even a year, depending upon where you are in school now and your training, so be sure to check that out where ever you look.
PM me if you’d like to talk further.</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses, and thanks Mezzo’sMama- I’m still trying to narrow down the field (hard to do!) but when I have a semi-final list, I will definitely message you! 
So far Oberlin is the only one on my list (I’m at a liberal arts school now so I like the idea of going that route)</p>