At the undergraduate and master levels, students may choose either an emphasis in research or performance practices. Hartford's wide collection of early instruments such as recorders, Renaissance lutes and flutes, harpsichords, clavichord, baroque bows, shawms, and sackbuts provide students with an active and creative learning environment.

Applicants to the master?s degree program should have a bachelor?s degree in music history or its equivalent. An important feature of the curriculum is flexibility in elective courses suited to the interests and needs of the student. Core and elective courses are designed to assist the student in preparing the master's thesis.