Talia Schulman, graduated from the Hartt School with a double major in the Music Education and Cello Performance programs. After graduation she started a position as a long-term substitute of K-5 general music in Stamford, CT, where she plans to remain with the hopes of landing a probationary teaching position in the fall. Schulman credits the Hartt school and music education program with providing her the skills, teaching methods, and practical experiences needed to succeed as she begins her career.
Talia is confident that “if it weren't for the music education program, I would never have the skills and teaching methods I do.” She goes on to say that she was “fortunate to have internships teaching/observing real music teachers every year before student teaching. Moreover, our professors were always observing us teach, and giving us feedback on the strategies we needed to succeed. I still use them in the real world, and they really pay off!”
UHart’s music education program is extensive. Combining the rigors of conservatory training with a solid foundation in music education, the program prepared Talia for a career as an elementary and secondary school music education teacher. In addition, part of her curriculum involved internships and student teaching off campus. This meant Schulman was able to take advantage of the vibrant collaboration between UHart and several area schools’ music programs.
As an undergraduate, Talia completed three internships. The first two were at the UHart-partnered University of Hartford Magnet School. One internship was with their general music teacher and the second was working in their after-school band and strings program. Her third internship was at another UHart-partnered institution, Simsbury High School, where she got to teach orchestra rehearsals. Finally, Schulman student-taught for a semester in an elementary and a secondary placement, both teaching strings. These unique internship collaborations between the Hartt School and area programs provided exciting "real world" learning opportunities for Talia prior to her student teaching.
According to Talia, “I knew I wanted my first job to be a long-term substitute for another teacher. That way, I would be able to start as soon as a district needed me, but not have to be the "spontaneous" sub who gets called at random the night before. After submitting many job applications (and lots of patience), Stamford Public Schools gave me word that the position I wanted was open immediately.”
Talia describes her time at UHart as “very positive” and points out that “it was a lot of work since I had two majors (performance/music education), but my classes were so interesting and inspiring that it was worth it. I feel very fortunate to have been a part of the community here.”
One of Schulman’s favorite things about UHart was the small environment of the campus and class sizes, especially in Hartt. She says, “People were really friendly and I got to know my colleagues really well through classes, ensembles, and even the mundane task of waiting to use a practice room.” A part of the small-personalized environment involved one-on-one cello lessons with professor Mihai Tetel. Talia says that “he provided lots of insight through our weekly cello studio class and orchestra rep class.”
What advice does Talia have for incoming students? She reminds them that “everyone is in the same boat getting settled into college life.” She recommends that students “join a club or two and get to know people, but don't worry if they don't click--the best of friendships will come with time. Also in between classes and socializing, always take time for your self-care!
Talia Shulman '20, Music Education and Cello PerformanceIf it weren't for the music education program, I would never have the skills/teaching methods I do. I was fortunate to have internships teaching/observing real music teachers every year before student teaching. Moreover, our professors were always observing us teach and giving us feedback/strategies we needed to succeed. I still use them in the real world, and they really pay off!