"Jeff, As Ruth said to Naomi, ‘Wherever you go, we go!’ (Ruth 1:16) Seriously. You are amazing! I can’t tell you how much you mean to Lauren. You know her style and ability better than anybody. When we began lessons with you 4 years ago, we found a friend for life. We have been talking about trying to find someone who can really help start putting them together. That someone is you! The girls can not do this without you. You would never be competing for the girls’ attention. You are their primary source of instruction. I want their time with you to be focused on producing, recording—implementing their music. You two rock my socks and flip my flops! Brooke feels you are the only person who really ‘gets’ her and helps her to understand what she is trying to accomplish and then can turn around and teach her how to achieve it. We love you! I understand completely where you stand and agree with your philosophies! We are to be set apart. Maybe you have had others who could just walk out of your lives, but there are just people worth fighting for. Just suffice to know we love you, pray for you and care deeply for your family." — Carrie DeLeary, Parent

These were and still are priceless patches of endearment, great sources of strength for us through uncertain times, and lasting lessons in trust and loyalty—from May 1, 2006 on.

Sometimes it’s more obvious to others what one should be doing with his or her time. I got that speech later than sooner. At the end of the day, limits are an artist’s worst enemy. Happiness is what matters most and if you’re happy, that’s a good thing.

Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.Oscar Wilde

Never write or perform based on what you think others, including your fans, friends, family, etc. want to hear/see. Vicariousness is artistically and (more importantly) psychologically dangerous. It can strip you of your self–identity. Be you and only you, otherwise it’s easy to lose yourself and, for the love of Mike, never carry a celebrity air about you unless you are. Steer as far away from selfies, branding a crowd your “fans” (unless they are), and don’t pretend it’s a privilege to follow and support your career and artistry with “Backstage Pass” gimmicks (for example). It’s self-indulgent. It’s a reality show you’ve created for yourself, not a genuine reality that reflects your body of work. If you’re wearing your own merchandise, you’re delirious.

You can feel woven into someone’s fabric. There’s nothing more embarrassing than overestimating your worth in someone else’s eyes. Don’t propose to be someone you’re not. Surrender your desire for relevance in a business that’s all about relevance and you’ll discover the sincerity necessary to sustain an artistic career built on integrity.

Jeff Hartman
Artistic Director

An askhole is someone who constantly asks you for your advice, yet always does the opposite of what you tell them!R. Lawrence

Pictured Above, “LoveCollide,” formerly “The DeLearys,” formerly “Sopo Girlz,” formerly “iCande,” formerly “Lauren DeLeary” and “Brooke DeLeary.”

Photo Courtesy of Carol Anne Hartman Photography