Larry Alan Smith Named Dean of The Hartt School

The University of Hartford has appointed Larry Alan Smith of Avon, Conn., as dean of The Hartt School. He will begin his tenure on August 16.

A composer, conductor, pianist, educator, arts executive, poet, and writer, Smith has been a part of the University of Hartford community since 1990. He led The Hartt School as dean from 1990–97, during which time he transformed the School through the addition and integration of dance and theatre programs. He currently is professor of music composition and curator of the School’s prestigious Richard P. Garmany Chamber Music Series.

“The Hartt School is an important pillar of our University’s past, present, and future,” said University of Hartford President Gregory Woodward. “Schools of the arts all over the country are reinventing themselves for a new future, and I am very pleased that in this leadership position, Dr. Smith will be able to draw upon his nearly four decades of wisdom and experience in arts leadership.” 

Many of today’s outstanding soloists, chamber ensembles, and orchestras have performed and commissioned works by Smith. He studied in Paris with Nadia Boulanger and with Vincent Persichetti at The Juilliard School where he received his Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees. Smith has been on the faculty of The Juilliard School, and has also served as dean of the School of Music at the North Carolina School of the Arts and president of the School of American Ballet in New York City.

“It is clear that Larry Alan Smith brings unique strengths to the table,” said University of Hartford Provost H. Frederick Sweitzer. “He is an experienced dean and understands all aspects of The Hartt School. He knows the faculty, staff, students, and board members well and is widely respected among all those constituencies. I thank him for his willingness to step forward and serve the school he loves.”

Smith said of his appointment, “Hartt graduates have been making significant contributions to the performing arts since the School’s founding in 1920. It is an honor to once again serve as dean, and as we approach the 100th anniversary of the School, we will have an opportunity to write the next chapter of the Hartt story.”

The Hartt School is the comprehensive performing arts conservatory of the University of Hartford. Hartt offers innovative and immersive degree programs in music, dance, and theatre, as well as the opportunity to pursue a minor or a secondary major. Our renowned faculty perform, create, and teach around the world, returning to campus to inspire and mentor our students in their pursuit of excellence. With more than 400 performances, recitals, and master classes in instrumental, jazz and vocal performance, theatre, dance, and music theatre each year, we are the largest and most diverse producer of performing arts events in the state of Connecticut. For more information on The Hartt School, visit hartford.edu/hartt.