Master of Music in Instrumental Performance - Percussion in West Hartford United States | University of Hartford

Our close-knit graduate program provides students with numerous performance and learning opportunities, along with personalized career development guidance from faculty and visiting artists/lecturers.

Candidates for this program must hold a bachelor's degree in music from an accredited institution or an equivalent foreign university. The Graduate Studies Committee will evaluate whether an applicant's qualifications match the requirements of a bachelor's degree. Some applicants may need to complete a specialized assessment to demonstrate their proficiency level or readiness for Hartt's degree programs.

This program covers solo, chamber, and orchestral repertoire, improvisation, drum-set techniques, and percussion instruments from diverse global traditions. Our approach to percussion education emphasizes inclusivity. Hartt students explore solo, chamber, and orchestral works alongside improvisation, drum-set, and world percussion (with a focus on instruments from Africa, the Middle East, Cuba, Brazil, and Trinidad). We frequently bring in specialized guest instructors to enhance our core curriculum. Consequently, Hartt percussion graduates have achieved success in securing diverse professional opportunities nationwide.

With approximately 15 students enrolled on average, Hartt's percussion program encourages vibrant idea-sharing among peers while ensuring individualized faculty mentorship. Learning extends beyond formal lessons, as our percussion faculty maintains an open-door policy—we're dedicated to supporting your growth.

For over fifty years, Hartt's percussion program has upheld a legacy of excellence and innovation, establishing The Hartt School as a pioneer in percussion education with one of America's earliest percussion programs and ensembles. Originally led by Percussive Arts Society Hall of Famer Alexander Lepak (1947-91), the program has been under Benjamin Toth's direction since 1992.