Frequently Asked Questions

Do you teach adults?

Absolutely. Hickory Arts offers private lessons and creative training for kids, teens, and adults of all experience levels. Many adult students begin lessons for the first time, return after years away from music or acting, or pursue creative goals they’ve always wanted to explore. Beginners are always welcome.

Do I need experience to start lessons?

Not at all. We work with complete beginners through advanced performers. Whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time, preparing for auditions, developing as a songwriter, or building performance skills, lessons are tailored to your experience level and goals.

What ages do you teach?

Hickory Arts works with kids, teens, and adults across a wide range of creative disciplines. Some students are just beginning their artistic journey, while others are experienced performers, songwriters, actors, and musicians looking to grow further in their craft.

Do you offer private lessons?

Yes. Hickory Arts specializes in private instruction and personalized creative training. Private lessons allow students to progress at their own pace while receiving focused one-on-one guidance tailored to their goals, interests, and learning style.

What styles of music do you teach?

Instruction at Hickory Arts spans a wide range of styles and creative goals, including rock, acoustic, singer-songwriter, folk, classical, worship, theatre, improvisation, performance-based training, and more. Lessons are tailored to the student rather than forcing every artist into the same approach or method.

Do you help with auditions and performances?

Yes. Hickory Arts works with students preparing for auditions, live performances, theatre productions, recordings, competitions, and creative projects. Training may include performance preparation, confidence-building, stage presence, audition coaching, songwriting, and real-world artistic development.

Do you do recitals?

At Hickory Arts, we prepare students for real-world performances rather than focusing solely on recitals. Many times, recitals become the only motivation for developing artists. In contrast, we emphasize autonomy and initiative, encouraging students to book and organize their own House Concert Series. By doing so, they showcase their talent, manage their events, and grow as independent artists. This approach allows them to fully own and shape their performances while gaining valuable experience in event management and self-promotion.

Why House Concerts?

House concerts remind us that there’s still something eclectic, original, and genuine in live music. Too often, music becomes just background noise. However, listening attentively is essential for both the artist and the audience. This engagement fosters a deeper connection with the music and the performers. Unlike traditional house concerts that require personal invitations, Hickory Arts opens these events to the public. As a result, artists reach a wider audience, allowing for more meaningful connections and performance opportunities. This openness ensures that anyone can experience and appreciate live music in an intimate setting. House concerts offer a unique way to interact with artists and enjoy their music in a personal, welcoming environment.

How do Hickory Arts house concerts work?

Folks love our House Concert Series! Performers not only love what they do, but they also need to earn a living from their craft. Typically, house concert guests contribute $20 each. If you host 30 guests, you can raise $600. All proceeds directly support the performers, fully rewarding their efforts. Hickory Arts doesn’t take a cut; we do this purely for the love of music and the artists who bring it to life.

Do students come from outside Hickory?

Yes. Students regularly travel to Hickory Arts from surrounding areas, including Newton, Conover, Morganton, Lenoir, Granite Falls, and throughout Catawba County and the surrounding region for private lessons, acting training, artist development, and creative services.

Is Hickory Arts' space accessible?

Yes, and in most cases, FREE! Need a place to rehearse? Meet? Audition? Bible study? Workshop? Let us know!

How do you approach fundraising?

We believe support for artists should be practical, transparent, and directly beneficial. Rather than focusing heavily on fundraising campaigns or overhead, we prefer to give freely of our time, talent, and resources whenever possible. The Fried Weasel Foundation exists to support artists, students, and creative projects through genuine community involvement, mentorship, opportunity, and creative support.

What's with the modesty?

The answer is simple. As The Fixx said: “Why don’t they do what they say, say what they mean…” “Private Sessions” means just that. Hickory Arts has never been about flashy branding, gimmicks, or putting our name above the artists we work with. It’s about helping students, performers, and creatives grow visibly, confidently, and authentically.

We’ve had artists perform throughout our community and beyond, and while we always appreciate recognition and support, our focus remains on the people we serve rather than the spotlight itself. No fancy gimmicks. No inflated image. Just real artistic growth, honest mentorship, and meaningful creative work.

How do you choose your teaching artists?

We seek teaching artists whose value reaches far beyond any "method." Those who mentor and inspire and who are willing to maintain a small roster of students in order to give each the attention they deserve. Technique is important. "U-nique" is priceless and immeasurable. In our experience, the music education we've retained the most as artists is not only the scales, methods, or diplomas, but also the hugs, the pats on the back, and the mentoring moments that we cherish and continue to apply to all aspects of our lives.