<p>Can anyone tell me anymore about Hartt and Violin Performance. How does this school rank in terms of the other top conservatories?</p>
<p>I'm not a believer in music school rankings, as there are far too many variables across programs to define a "number one" institution. The individual teacher/student is normally of prime importance, but other factors in no particular order may include program size and location, quality of peers, percent of grads to undergrads, state of the facility, number, quality and depth of performing organizations, strengths and depth of a particular department, outside gigs and opportunities, and financial considerations/costs.</p>
<p>I would consider the Hartt violin faculty as being very good overall. There is not the immediate name recognition, particularly to the neophyte or unitiated as the names don't jump off the page when compared to violin faculty at Curtis, Juilliard, CIM or NEC for example.</p>
<p>They are all incredible performers, most with extensive chamber backgrounds and most if not all are also actively performing. Leonid Sigal and Mickey Reisman are both with the Hartford Symphony. Katie Landsdale is nationally recognized and highly accomplished; Emlyn Ngai is a master of the Baroque, and an acclaimed chamber musician. Anthea Kreston is extremely well respected, and performs regularly throughout the country and abroad; the addition of Anton Miller a year or two ago brought additional depth and virtuosity; Teri Enfeldt is a nationally recognized Suzuki expert and her students tend to be from the Suzuki pedagogy and certifications, rather than performance. Most are also actively doing masterclasses at many of the institutions discussed on this forum.</p>
<p>My son's experience with the violin faculty has been through chamber music coachings, collaborations, year end juries, and an occasional master class. He has never had a negative comment about any of the string faculty.</p>
<p>He was very happy with his years at Hartt. He found the faculty and staff very warm and supporting. The atmosphere amongst the Hartt students was one of cooperation and collaboration, with no hint of cut throat competitiveness.</p>
<p>The poster Stringmom has a d who entered Hartt as a violin performance freshman last Sept. You may want to PM or email her directly for teacher or studio specific info.</p>
<p>I've learned much from these boards and am glad to finally be able to return the favor.</p>
<p>My son is not a violinist, but he did attend Hartt, graduating with a degree in performance last year. Many of his peers (in his studio) were either dual majors (performance/education), or music education majors. His studio teacher accepted only ONE performance major (including graduate students) each year and he was lucky/talented enough to make the grade. This teacher had high expectations, but was exceedingly generous with his time, offering lessons/coachings during semester breaks (at no cost) to help my son prepare for other auditions. This man has an impressive pedigree, including a DMA from Yale and a lengthy stint with Orpheus. I always felt DS was in good hands. </p>
<p>The school is not cheap, but we found the financial aid to be better than most. He received a scholarship that covered about 40% of his tuition. DS's experience was similar to that of Violadad's son - he loved his four years there. The kids at Hartt were incredibly supportive of each other, the teachers accomplished and caring. A pleasant surprise was how many jobs he got through their gig line. He actually turned a tidy profit during several semesters, and sometimes had to turn down jobs because he had to save his chops for school performances!</p>
<p>One negative I offer does not pertain to Hartt, but to the University of Hartford. The few LA courses he was required to take were anything but challenging. Not that it mattered too much to him, but the academic level was not all that high. The other negative has to do with the performance venues. They're adequate, not great. I've always had a problem with the acoustics at the Lincoln Theater. Millard is much better, but it's much smaller. The orchestra typically had one performance a semester at the Bushnell in downtown Hartford, but I do not know if that tradition continues. The university is building a new performing arts center, but I'm not sure when it will be completed. </p>
<p>DS is one of three kids we've had graduate from college in the past two years. (Yes, we're broke.) So H and I have had the opportunity to do some "real time" comparisons. As far as schools go, we found Hartt had a lot going for it.</p>
<p>To add a bit to RunningtheBasses post, I'll agree with the comments on the venues. Lincoln is a bit disappointing acoustically, and Millard is better, albeit smaller. The Berkman blackbox in the Fuller building is "ok" for ensemble, recitals but quite honestly I would have loved to have seen 20/20 performances in a better acoustic and asthetic setting.</p>
<p>The performances at Bushnell have always been my favorite. </p>
<p>The new Performing Arts center slightly off-site will largely benefit the dance and theater programs and Community Division programs, not the music undergrads. The Fuller building is now forty years old, and while adequate, is by no means stellar.</p>
<p>Freshman dorms were gutted and redone two years ago, and a new upperclass dorm opened in Sept '07. The suite apartments are dated, but serviceable.</p>
<p>Gigs and performance opportunities are readily available the gig line. For the top performers, it can become hectic and profitable. One needs to balance/juggle coursework, rehearsals, performances, recitals and outside gigs.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info on Hartt. I certainly appreciate your commnets.</p>
<p>Hartts Berkman Black Box Theatre has been renovated into a proper recital hall! It will open this fall.</p>
<p>Hartt impressed us as being one of the more nurturing educational environments out there.</p>