Serviceswhat we do
- Artist Development
- Acting
- Audition Prep
- Banjo
- Bass
- Fiddle
- Guitar
- Mandolin
- Piano
- Photography
- Self-Accompaniment
- Songwriting
- Strings
- Ukulele
- Viola
- Violin
- Voice
Aboutwho we are
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- Album – “Junk (Original Cast Recording)”
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Menu

Serviceswhat we do
- Artist Development
- Acting
- Audition Prep
- Banjo
- Bass
- Fiddle
- Guitar
- Mandolin
- Piano
- Photography
- Self-Accompaniment
- Songwriting
- Strings
- Ukulele
- Viola
- Violin
- Voice
Aboutwho we are
ShopWooCommerce
Blogtasty news
Portfoliocool works
- Album – “Junk (Original Cast Recording)”
Contactsby mail or phone

No products in the cart.

Payton Lane

Payton Lane

Meet Payton. Payton is a model and actress.

"Home is where the art is." www.hickoryarts.com | Follow us on Twitter! @hickoryarts #personalityreels

Recent posts

7

October
- Music
- Theatre
Empowering Authentic Performances
Theatre is the most collaborative, live art form. Hickory Arts is dedicated to the preservation of live musical theatre orchestras in Catawba County and surrounding areas. It should be in the DNA of every arts organization to advocate for the vibrant presence of live musicians in community theatre musical productions. We believe that the energy, ...
6

October
A Note from the Director
Look at this beautiful bunch. I haven't said much personally on social media about my experience with Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (other than PR). I've shared some thoughts like this before and I'm echoing them now, but what I’ve known and expect community theatre to be is a positive, creative, storytelling escape; a cooperative ...

What People Say

Oh my goodness how I love this place! I learn so much and I’m so thankful to be able to take classes here! It’s wonderful!

Stevie Roland Artist Development

I wanted to thank you again for all that you have done for me. I got a perfect score on my senior project. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you. Your time and effort to help me is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for helping me complete a huge task in my high school education. I’d like to stay in touch with you if possible and I also would love to help you with anything you need at your studio.

Kevin Barrett Student

My daughter had an awesome experience with her voice lessons!

Ashley Stahlschmidt Parent

I have had the privilege to work in various capacities at Hickory Arts: as a Actor working with Jeff, John, and Carol Anne, giving a gift of a photography session with Carol Anne to a friend, and as a parent of a middle and high school guitar student. The professionalism shown in every experience was exceptional. Jeff, John, and Carol Anne are consummate professionals and have the “Midas touch” when it comes to all things theatre. Carol Anne’s photos are stunning, and my daughter showed outstanding growth in her guitar lessons and still plays well to this day. Choose Hickory Arts! You won’t regret it.

Nathan Crabtree Parent, Educator & Actor

Jake has been fantastic so far. We have only had 2 lessons but, my daughter has already opened up to him and he helped us with a broken guitar string. My daughter was thrilled because it was the first one and she very upset. That was above and beyond his role as her teacher. We’ve been waiting a long time for Jake to get an opening and I can already tell it was worth the wait.

Kara Potter Parent

Jeff and Carol Anne! An amazing duo! They are the pros in this business of music and arts! My daughter Savannah has worked with Jeff for the past eleven years! ELEVEN YEARS! She has grown up knowing both Jeff and Carol Anne. Both serve her in the way of music training, vocal coaching, music production teaching, assisting in acting training, and musical theater training. Also, Jeff has helped with resume development and building. Carol Anne has photographed incredible pictures of Savvy and has captured her in various settings for multiple occasions and needs! She too, like Jeff is loaded with unbelievable talent in music and arts. Both are people of high integrity and professionalism. Each will go out of their way to help their students whom they treat as family. They go the extra mile to help and make things happen and assist in dreams coming true for my daughter and I know this is true for all other students. We are very thankful that Jeff and Carol Anne have been a part of Savannah‘s life as she has grown from an 11-year-old to now a 22-year-old adult who has been able to maximize the gifts. God has given her and used her talent to the fullest with the help of Jeff, Carol Anne, and Hickory Arts! They are truly a blessing and continue to be a blessing in her life. She has continued to work with them to this day, December 8th, 2023. We thank God for Jeff and Hickory Arts!

Rhonda Spencer Parent

My daughter had a safe and nurturing place to practice different performing arts fields. She enjoyed classes with Jeff (Voice and Guitar) and with John Coffey (Piano). They helped her to boost her confidence and to strength her performance abilities. Overall, a very positive experience for our family.

Rachel Dick Parent

Jeff has really helped me with my acting skills. Great place to go!

Anya Mitchell Acting

Man, if there’s one person in this world that I just love, respect, and will follow blindly in the music/theatre world, it’s Jeff Hartman! He just gets me!

Jairo Pereira Actor and Vocalist

Hickory Arts is a wonderful experience. My kids have worked with both Jeff and John and have received teaching to their ability with great encouragement. Both Jeff and John use their wealth of experience to provide the expertise to teach well! You will not be disappointed!

Kristi Stephenson Parent

What a wonderful asset for our community!

Ingrid Keller United Arts Council

Hickory Arts is fantastic! I’ve been working with Jeff off and on for years, and he’s my go-to teacher when I need to get ready for an upcoming audition. He’s extremely knowledgeable and kind, but won’t tell you that you perform well if it isn’t the truth. I highly recommend Hickory Arts for anything related to the performing arts.

Scott Hudson Audition Prep

I was talking to one of my friends about the good and bad teachers I have had over the years. I have had a wide variety. Your name came up in the mix and I realized I had never thanked you for all that you did. I know that this may seem strange seeing as I took lessons from you for such a short period of time… but you instilled a good bit of confidence in my singing ability and that confidence has improved my singing remarkably. So thank you for your encouragement and I hope you continue to build up the students you teach.

Julia Gruver Singer/Songwriter

Hi, Mr. Hartman! I just thought that you would want to know that I ended up making it into the BFA Musical Theater program at WCU! Thank you for all your help.

Kate Mullis Voice

Hickory Arts has been a great resource over the years for me and my family. Whether helping my kids and I prepare for an audition or giving my daughter a place to explore songwriting and recording, they’ve been extremely professional and helpful!

Holley Dagenhardt Parent & Actor

Where you go, we go.

Carrie DeLeary Parent

Timeliness, Quality, Professionalism, Environment. When you have the best, what more can you ask for.

Joy Mease Philanthropist

I have known Jeff since his high school days. He was a student in one of my math classes at West Caldwell High School and was just a delight to have in class. He was always prepared and did quite well. The one thing I did notice most about Jeff was his creativity and commitment to the arts. He is a versatile musician and involved in so many creative endeavors. He has been a fixture on the performing arts scene here in Hickory and worked very closely with the Hickory Community Theatre in past performances. He has a genuine care in working well with others, especially young performers in so many different ways. With his skills, excellent demeanor, and creativity, I give him my highest recommendation.

Dan Seaver Educator & City Councilman

Jeff is the best, most well-organized director I have ever worked with!

Karen McGuire Stage Manager & Administrator

Aidan just got the part of Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors at UNC Asheville. We really appreciate all of support and education Aidan received at Hickory Arts.

Dena Nigrelli Parent

Thank you. There are a lot of talented people out there, but when someone takes their God given talents and hones those gifts and develops those talents to not only benefit themselves, but others as well, that is a truly successful person. I am so lucky to have met Jeff and Carol Anne in this life, and to have been able to enjoy and be edified by your gifts to our community. Thank you for sharing your rare and wonderful talents with us all.

Hal Row WHKY's First Talk

Thankful to have gotten the opportunity to work with you guys!

Meredith Mull Voice

Voice lessons with Jeff are the best!

Abbey Spiva Voice

I've taken classes at Hickory Arts with wonderful teachers. The concerts offered are of high quality and entertaining.

Denise Baxter Yoder Everything Artist

Jacob is a fantastic teacher, and guitar player and has the most patience with his students. Highly recommend!

Molly McLean Guitar

I visited Hickory Arts today and saw in person what they are all about… finally! Nothing better than seeing in person. A nice house on 2nd Avenue SW, in the 700 block, which means it’s between 6th Street and 8th Street… easy. Nice space in the center for “House Concerts” and four rooms with large glass windows which have been turned into teaching studios… piano, guitar, drums… Owners Carol Anne Hartman and Jeff Hartman are two REALLY TALENTED PEOPLE! Carol Anne was taking free photos (she’s a wonderful photographer). Jeff took me on a “tour” of their new space. I’ll be doing some recording there with Jeff… backup music for a couple of vocals I’m doing. The arts in Hickory just continue to thrive thanks to people like Carol Anne and Jeff and their creative endeavors. Thanks, my friends, for opening your studio and giving us a chance to see and understand what you are doing. A great addition to Hickory!

Julia Rush Godmother of Hickory

These kind folks know how to teach and seriously practice what they preach! This is where it all happens: acting, music lessons (on all instruments and voice), music composition, photography, graphic design & film/TV production all under 1 roof! Art is alive in Hickory, NC!

Scott McCloud Musician

Highly recommend. Jeff is very personable and talented and patient. He puts my goddaughter at ease with singing which she loves to do. Her voice lessons with Jeff has helped her become more confident and she has taken several opportunities to sing in public, something I do not think she would have done had she not been working with Jeff/Hickory Arts. Money well spent…

Ron Voorhees Godparent

My instructor, Jake Moore, is always prepared to teach me new things. He continually challenges me to improve my technique, increase my repertoire and general knowledge of the various instruments I am learning to play. Whether you are a beginner or advanced student, I readily endorse Jake and the team at Hickory Arts!

Ron Lail Automated Machine Design

Hey Jeff! I just wanted to reach out and thank you for all you taught me about guitar. For the music therapy program, we have to take two functional guitar classes. I’m finishing up the first one and it has felt like a breeze thanks to you. I started practicum sessions this semester (at Hardin Park School with preschoolers with developmental delays) and have felt confident going into every session with my guitar- it’s really become my favorite instrument to play. I also wanted to say I was presented with such a cool opportunity yesterday. I was in university singers and we were rehearsing a song called Gloucestershire Wassail for the holiday scholarship concert tomorrow. It’s a great piece with lots of different instruments- bass, guitar, banjo, penny whistle, violin. The only instrumentalists at the rehearsal were the bassist and the banjo player. The banjo player, Rob McCormac, is coincidentally my form and analysis professor who has seen me play guitar in his class before. They were down a guitarist, but Rob brought his guitar anyway. Rob spotted me in the room and asked if I could come up to play. I said sure and we had a great time playing! All that to say, I’m actually playing with the band tomorrow night at the holiday scholarship concert! I’m pretty excited about it. Anyway, THANK YOU! for our lessons together. If I hadn’t taken guitar I don’t think I would’ve felt nearly as comfortable in guitar class, at my practicum site, or in a situation where somebody asked me to play on the fly. I hope you’re doing well!

Samantha Crabtree Guitar

I took voice lessons from Jeff for about 2 years when I was in high school, and I can honestly say that he helped me find my voice. He was extremely patient, but also did not allow me to settle for anything less than my best. I would not have the confidence or ability to sing the way I do if it weren't for Jeff and all the countless hours he and I spent together at Hickory Arts. If you are looking for a place to hone your craft, look no further than Hickory Arts!

Jimmy Kurts Artist Development

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 for my time spent at this wonderful studio.

Shannon Underwood Artist Development

I have had excellent experiences with Hickory Arts based on the professionalism of the staff, their knowledge and teaching skills, and most of all the feeling of family with this group of artists. They provide a wide array of instructional experiences and I have progressed as an artist through working with them, notably in lessons from John Coffey but also from numerous informal collaborations with Jeff Hartman and his recording expertise. They develop talent by infusing skills through their expertise.

Jonathan Ray Actor

Jeff has been taking care of our daughter for years and has really helped her find her voice!

Jane Edwards Parent

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical was just a great show! Your team should do a master class on pre-promotion and community awareness of a production. Carol Anne was flawless (as usual) and Holley was just spot on magnificent. Folks don’t think about the band when they see the performers, costumes, and sets, but musically you and the musicians really delivered! We had a lovely evening. I could go on all day, but congratulations on the sellouts and a wonderful show. From start to finish it was beautiful.

Hal Row WHKY's First Talk

McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s are all doing the same thing a different way. Hickory Arts doesn’t have a dollar menu and isn’t counting how many billions have been served. Art isn’t fast food. Keep doing ‘what you won’t do’ and it’ll make a difference.

Phill Kirby Touring Artist

Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! My friends and I were fortunate enough to experience the opening night of "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" at The Green Room in Newton, NC. It was indeed beautiful in every way. The music, the actors, the staging, and the amazing talent could rival any Broadway show ever produced! The show features vocalists and musicians that bring the characters to life. Everyone in the Unifour area and beyond must see this magnificent show! Our own local Carol Anne Hartman is "beautiful" in her own right, but she embodies Carole King on the stage and her vocals are impeccable. Logan Kirkpatrick as Neil Sedaka is spot on, and Corey Knighton nails the emotionally erratic character of Gerry Goffin, as he makes the audience love and hate him at the same time. Jordan Randall, Jadon Cummings, Jairo Pereira, and Preston Smith delight everyone as The Drifters. The duo of Holley Dagenhardt and Lucas DeVore offer flawless vocals and the perfect on-stage chemistry. Angelique James, Ashley Robinson, LaTavia Ross, and Trin Taylor make The Shirelles come to life, and their gorgeous outfits hail the 60s. If you love that low bass blended with that high tenor of The Righteous Brothers, you'll love the voices of Logan Kirkpatrick and Paul David Kurts. Kudos to the entire cast and crew, but a standing ovation goes to the show's director and musical director, Jeff Hartman who is beyond compare. The show will be staged for only eight more performances and ticket prices are the least expensive in the region. There's no reason why anyone should miss the show. There's something in the show for people of all ages and all musical tastes. Order your tickets today to see one of the best shows ever!

Jan Lail Drama Teacher

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 Artist

I'm so very impressed by this organization. They boast excellent teachers who are skilled musicians and warm human beings. They are well organized, easy to communicate with, and responsive. Their lesson policies are clear and fair, and they are great at centering their work on the true needs of the students. As a professional musician, I'm very grateful to have Hickory Arts in our community.

Chris Nigrelli Parent & Educator

I don’t know if I’ve ever thanked you for getting Thomas off to such a great start musically. He’s doing a lot with Rick Cline now and spent the weekend composing a piece for a percussion ensemble using notepad.

Jennifer Michaels Parent

For those who haven't worked with Jeff Hartman before, attention to detail is typical of his music direction.

Jonathan Ray Actor, Director & Educator

There are those who help you move forward and those who hold you back.

Molly Rice Educator

I've been taking singing lessons with Jeff Hartman for almost three months and he is awesome. I can tell I feeling more confident while I singing and my friends keep telling I sound much better now. Highly recommend Hickory Arts.

Juan Araya Vocal Coaching

We love taking lessons at Hickory Arts with Jake Moore. He has taught us so much and encourages us each week with our lessons. I recommend him to anyone trying to learn piano or guitar or anything else he teaches. If I could, I'd give him 10 stars for being such a great teacher and inspiration for my boys.

Kindal McAuliffe Parent

My name is Mandy Pearce, and I am a local business owner who has lived and worked in Catawba County for almost 20 years. Jeff is not only a well-connected and highly capable artist, he has directed, acted, run a successful business in the art field, and built relationships in and around Catawba County, the state and region. Jeff is accomplished in his own right as an artist, trains other highly successful artists, and collaborates well with others in the field. Jeff’s passion for bringing amazing arts experiences to Catawba County is well-known. Not only does he have support from his family, who are also heavily involved in the arts, but Jeff has support from many community theater supporters in the area. I see endless possibilities for our area with Jeff on board with a highly visible arts organization in Catawba County, who has a team of wonderful advocates for diversity, opportunity, innovation, and collaboration. Jeff not only knows what has come to this area, what we are missing, what the audience here craves, but he has traveled and experienced many theaters at local, state and national levels. Jeff is constantly educating himself on up and coming content, tried and true opportunities, and how to bring a fresh perspective to the all-time favorites as well. I hope you will see the gem we have in Jeff Hartman. It is hard to find a qualified person for a lot of positions in the community who also have knowledge, training, experience, history of success, AND know the community personally and professionally. Jeff checks all these boxes.

Mandy Pearce Owner, Funding For Good & Two Green Thumbs and More

Love Hickory Arts!

William Parrish Philanthropist

We love this place so much! All the music teachers are highly knowledgeable and friendly.

Hoang Tran Parent

Great studio! My daughter has made amazing strides while taking voice lessons from Jeff. He not only pushes her and picks songs to challenge her, he lets her pick songs that interest her. I can’t say enough good about him & his talent.

Mandy O'Rourke Parent

It doesn't get any better than Jake - learning mandolin has been such an incredible pleasure and working with him has been so fun. A master at his craft and simply made for teaching others.

Amy Slagle Mandolin

Training at Hickory Arts Studios is one of the best decisions you can make! The training is so individualized to each student and there is such a wide range of education to receive. Personally, I was a voice and acting student with Jeff Hartman and he pushed me to be the best performer I could be, while always having a smile on his face! Working with Jeff helped deepen my passion for the arts and gave me the confidence and skill set to pursue it on a professional level. If you are looking to for training that will not only push you but also provide you with wonderful staff/mentors/coaches, Hickory Arts is the way to go!

Josie Juliette Wert Artist Development

I thoroughly enjoyed Jeff Hartman as my artistic coach. I learned so much and it was a great way to launch my vocal journey.

Kate Mullis Voice

Jake Moore is an excellent teacher! Very patient with someone like me trying to re-learn an instrument from my youth. He has God-given talents and he's putting them to great use! I highly recommend Jake.

Brett Miller Guitar

The instructors at Hickory Arts are top-notch. Highly recommended.

Charlton Seaver Musician & Tap Dancer

Top notch instructors whose combined professional experience make up a lifetime. Jeff Hartman and John Coffey are simply the best and on top of that, they are very kind and understanding. Check them out!

Jackson Sigmon Musician

Family Choice Awards Winner for Favorite Music Instruction

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