Music & Acting
Lessons in Hickory, NC
Personalized music and acting instruction for beginners through advanced artists, focused on performance, creativity, and real-world artist development since 2010.
Home is where the art is.
Working Artists
Learn from working professional performers, directors, musicians, and producers.
Recognized Work
Award-winning work in arts education, theatre, music, film, and media.
Personalized
Music, acting, artist development, and projects shaped around each student.
Since 2010
Trusted by hundreds of students, families, and artists in Hickory, NC for 16 years.
What We Offer
Music
Lessons
Personalized instruction in
voice, guitar, piano, violin, and more.
Acting
Lessons
Train for stage, camera,
auditions, and performance confidence.
Artist Development
Focused training for students
ready to grow as complete artists.
Creative
Services
Recording, photography, video,
and production support.
Why Hickory Arts
Learn from Reputable Artists
Our instructors are college-educated, award-winning working artists who bring real-world experience in music, acting, recording, performance, and production into every lesson. No gimmicks.
We’re not, as David Lindberg says, "…a music retail store or a couple of music teachers selling whatever we think we can sell you under the guise of the genre of rock music."
Personalized Training
Dr. Justin Tarte wrote, “We shouldn’t treat schools like factories.” We tailor instruction to each student’s goals, skill level, and creative interests. Whether students are studying acting, voice, guitar, piano, or artist development, our lessons are designed around the individual rather than a one-size-fits-all curriculum. Quality over quantity.
“The key to this business is personal relationships. Suddenly, it was all pretty clear. The answer was fewer clients.” — from Jerry Maguire
A Creative Community
Hickory Arts is more than a studio. It’s a place to learn, collaborate, and grow through real artistic experiences throughout the arts community.
Who We Work With
Hickory Arts works with students, families, performers, and creative professionals at different stages of their artistic growth.
Growing Students
Intermediate and advanced students ready for stronger technique, confidence, and direction.
Actors & Performers
Students preparing for auditions, roles, monologues, scenes, and stage work.
Musicians & Singers
Artists developing technique, musicianship, performance skills, and personal style.
Creative Artists
Artists building recordings, headshots, reels, portfolios, and long-term creative direction.
What Students, Families, and Artists Say
"Hickory Arts provides a welcoming and friendly space incredibly conducive to creativity—perfect for actors, musicians, and writers of all ages and talent levels. I only wish there was a place like this in the neighborhood when I was growing up!"
Kyle Vincent, Billboard-Charting Artist
"Hickory Arts truly enriched my life with creativity and joy. I worked with Jeff Hartman for 10 plus years on singing, songwriting, acting, and more. I wholeheartedly recommend Jeff and all the teachers at Hickory Arts. I will forever be grateful."
Shannon Underwood, Artist Development
Learn from Working Artists
Jeff Hartman
ASU alumnus—Advertising/Theater/Music; Singer/Songwriter, Film Composer, Actor, Director, Multi-instrumentalist—Jeff offers beginner through advanced lessons in acting, artist development, audition prep, guitar, industry, musical theatre, piano, recording, self-accompaniment, songwriting, and voice.
William Knight
William Knight is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in guitar, banjo, dobro, mandolin, and ukulele, offering beginner through advanced lessons at Hickory Arts, with formal training in Jazz Guitar Performance and Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music from East Tennessee State University.
Chelsea Westbrook
Chelsea Westbrook offers beginner and intermediate piano lessons at Hickory Arts focused on creativity, confidence, and strong fundamentals. With a lifelong background in performance and teaching, she helps students build a strong musical foundation while making lessons engaging and enjoyable.
How It Works
Starting at Hickory Arts is simple. We help you find the right lesson, instructor, or creative path based on your goals.
Choose Your Path
01
Start with music lessons, acting lessons, artist development, recording, photography, or another creative goal.
Book an Intro Lesson
02
We’ll learn about your experience level, interests, schedule, and what kind of support would help most.
Start Creating
03
Work one-on-one with experienced artists and grow through real-world creative training.
Inside Hickory Arts
Hickory Arts is more than a lesson studio. It’s a place where students explore music lessons, acting lessons, artist development, recording, and live performance in a real-world creative environment.
From private lessons to live performances and production work, everything we do is designed to help artists grow creatively, professionally, and independently.
Serving Hickory and Surrounding Areas
Hickory Arts offers music lessons, acting lessons, artist development, and creative services in Hickory, NC, serving students, families, and artists throughout Catawba County and Western North Carolina.
Events
Brian Saavedra & Co. Present
Take Us Home: House Concert
May 29th
Hickory Arts House Concert Series
From workshops and student showcases to house concerts featuring local and touring artists, Hickory Arts hosts creative events throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer music lessons for beginners?
Yes. Hickory Arts offers music lessons for beginners, intermediate students, and advanced musicians in a supportive one-on-one environment focused on fundamentals, creativity, and long-term growth.
Do you teach adults?
Yes. Adult students are welcome at Hickory Arts. Whether you are starting for the first time, returning after years away, preparing for a performance, or developing as an artist, lessons are tailored to your goals, experience level, and schedule.
What kinds of acting lessons do you offer?
Hickory Arts offers acting lessons focused on character work, audition preparation, monologues, scene study, confidence, and real-world performance skills. We work with beginners, experienced actors, musical theatre performers, and students preparing for roles, auditions, or college programs.
Do students get performance opportunities?
Yes. Performance is an important part of the Hickory Arts culture. Students and artists may have opportunities connected to our house concert series, recording projects, auditions, theatre work, community events, and other real-world creative experiences when appropriate for their goals and readiness.
How do I schedule a lesson?
You can schedule a lesson by using the booking button on our website or by contacting Hickory Arts directly. We recommend starting with an introductory lesson so we can learn about your goals, answer questions, and help match you with the right lesson path.
What makes Hickory Arts different?
Hickory Arts is not a factory-style lesson studio. We focus on personalized instruction, real-world creative training, and long-term artistic growth. Students work with experienced artists in music, acting, artist development, recording, photography, and performance in a supportive, professional environment.
Get in Touch
Ready to get started? Whether you’re exploring something new or taking your craft to the next level, Hickory Arts is here to help you grow.
Book a free introductory session to explore lessons, ask questions, and find the right creative path for you.
