Does anybody know anything about the bass program there?

I know Robert Black is a great performer, how is he as a teacher?

I've been going for lessons with Robert for almost two years now, and have attended the occasional masterclass with his students. IMO, Robert's a very good teacher, and I personally find him very easy to work with.

From what I've seen, you could do well with him especially if you are a very self-directed student. He's not going to take you by the hand and lead you through a "program". He also doesn't seem to be in the business of pumping out big-time orchestra players, so you may want to look elsewhere if that's your goal.

He's very knowledgeable about standard orchestral repertoire and solo lit, and also very big on "new" music.

You shouldn't be afraid to talk to him yourself. He's very approachable - I believe he has his email address on his website (RobertBlack.com)

Good luck!

Robert is my private teacher as well. I love studying with him, he's a very good teacher and so personable.

if you want an orchestra job, study with an orchestral player.

if you want an orchestra job, study with an orchestral player.

Yo Kingdynamo, Thanks for finally speaking some sense. 533 Represent!!

Thanks a lot guys for sharing your insights.

I'm musically very self directed, and very interested in Robert's musical ideas, which is what interests me about him.

I have very little ambition to seek a big orchestral job; in fact, I find the prospect of being pumped through a rigid system designed to place one in a big orchestra terrible, at least for me and my musical interests and development.

Right now I'm studying with Diana Gannett, and one of the things I love so much about her is that she allows me to bring things I feel passionate about to our lessons.
While I greatly respect, and am humbled by the achievements of pedagogues like Larry Hurst and Paul Ellison, from what I know, that experience isn't for me.

I have very little ambition to seek a big orchestral job; ...a rigid system designed to place one in a big orchestra terrible, at least for me and my musical interests and development.

Right now I'm studying with Diana Gannett,... the achievements of pedagogues like Larry Hurst and Paul Ellison, from what I know, that experience isn't for me.

It sounds like you Know What You Want, but you may also want to widen your search - it can be good to get both sides of the coin.

You will find that, in contrast to what you might expect, some "solo/collegiate" teachers in fact teach very "pedagogically", and some "orchestral" teachers are very "fluid and reactive" (it's not like orchestral guys only play excerpts, and don't do tons of recitals and research!).

You can end up Gainfully Employed, both "musically" and "professorially", by studying with both "orchestral" and "solo/collegiate" teachers!

I you want an Orchestra job. then go to Hartt
and study with someone in the Hartford symphony

get the gig kid

if you want an orchestra job, study with an orchestral player.

First of all, check the original post. He/she wasn't asking if Hartt was a good place to start an Orchestral career.

Second, don't assume Robert Black is not an orchestral player and doesn't teach exerpts. He used to be a member of the Hartford Symphony, but his solo/chamber career took off and he never looked back. He can play the hell out of anything. Solos, excerpts, whatever.

He can play the hell out of anything. Solos, excerpts, whatever.

I second that.

He used to be a member of the Hartford Symphony

Oh yes, the very reputable institution of the Hartford Symphony. 533 Represent!

And lastly don't waste so much time on talk bass.

indeed.