Doctor of Musical Arts in Instrumental Conducting - Guitar in West Hartford United States | University of Hartford

The Hartt School's Guitar Program stands as the nation's longest-running and most comprehensive performance-focused guitar education. Since awarding its first guitar degree in 1968, the program has grown to encompass Master of Music, Graduate Professional Diploma, Doctor of Musical Arts, and Artist Diploma offerings. Students engage with world-class artists through masterclasses, featuring luminaries like Oscar Ghiglia, Antigoni Goni, and Andrew York. Program alumni have secured faculty positions at elite institutions such as New England Conservatory, Boston Conservatory, The Longy School of Music, and Oberlin Conservatory. Our students and graduates have achieved recognition in premier competitions including the Alirio Diaz International Guitar Competition, Guitar Foundation of America International Competition, and American String Teachers Competition.

Beyond classical training, the curriculum encompasses chamber music, guitar pedagogy, historical repertoire, lute studies, and contemporary electric techniques. We prepare students thoroughly for careers in both performance and academia through mandatory weekly performance classes. Our annual Evening with Guitar concert series presents six to eight public performances, offering students valuable professional stage experience to hone their artistry.