Hickory Arts is always hiring part-time and full-time arts instructors of all types; group (16-week classes or ongoing) and/or private sessions. If interested, please call 828-270-9801 or email info@hickoryarts.com.

We welcome teaching artists whose value reaches far beyond any “method.” Those who mentor and inspire and who are willing to begin with 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 are not only the scales, methods, or diplomas, but also the emotional support, and the mentoring moments that we cherish and continue to apply to all aspects of our lives.

We're much more of a belief system than we are a brand of any sort. We aim not to be a traditional teaching/production studio. We’re a specialized studio. Compare it this way: going to a general practitioner vs. a medical specialist.

Our policy and approach are simple and transparent so students, parents, and teachers always understand where we're coming from as the "un-studio" of Hickory.

We don't require recitals, but if you and/or another instructor have enough students and confidence in those students to do a recital, then feel free to make that happen. We most often make that happen at Hickory Arts in the form of a House Concert.

We're not a non-profit, but we have a volunteer and donation system we call the "Fried Weasel Foundation," in Jeff's father's name. "Fried Weasel" was a band he helped in high school that he told endless stories about. His father was a selfless, giving person with no interest in his own relevance. Something to admire greatly.

We're not an event-driven studio, but we like to keep the house concerts going and ideally one main production/year (like "The Last 5 Years" in 2013, helping originate "Junk" from 2014-2015). Productions, of course, require fundraising. For 2016-17, our focus was to help usher a digital remaster/reissue of the first original cast album recorded by a community theatre into the 21st century and market four accompanying major performances throughout the community with his special guest artists. In 2018, we helped sponsor a local variety show called, "Yes, This is My Real Voice." In 2019, we helped sponsor the orchestra for the musical Bright Star at The Green Room. 2020 was 2020, but we were able to enjoy an out-of-state production of "Junk." In 2021, we helped sponsor the orchestra for the musical Something Rotten! at Hickory Theatre.

All rooms remain neutral and dynamic. In other words, all rooms remain in a state of flux for other teachers and students to jump in and use at all times; flexible, and portable. If you're part of a club or a band, we encourage you to use or suggest using Hickory Arts. If you're interested in putting together a choir or any sort of group class, don't be afraid to be proactive and use Hickory Arts as a means by which to make that happen.

We normally don't teach beyond 7 pm, nor do we teach on Saturdays and Sundays. We can and often make exceptions, but only if necessary. We want both students and teachers to be free to commit to performances and rehearsal schedules that often begin at 7 pm and consume weekends.

We don't make any teacher sign a non-compete. We depend on trust and reason. If you undercut or spread yourself thin by teaching several places within a small area, you're less likely to build a stronger student base at Hickory Arts at our rate. So, we encourage you to consolidate to our location, if possible, to help better serve you and your students. It increases your demand. The potential to make at least $3,000/month ($36,000/year) is there.

All Hickory Arts sessions are held at Hickory Arts. We're small and private. Word of mouth is essential and our number one source of advertising. Cross-promotion is essential. Social networking is essential. All teachers should be proactive in drawing attention to what he/she offers at Hickory Arts. It can be as simple as mentioning that you teach at Hickory Arts in a program, a bio, at an event, etc. We're glad to share/promote anything you'd like on the website and via social media, just please make us aware of it.

Bartering is encouraged. Many folks who help clean Hickory Arts have exchanged voice lessons for that help. We've bartered with Louis Nunnery Dance Studio and Hickory Theatre in various ways on many occasions.

*Because we have a mentoring mantra, finding at least one person you exceptionally believe in, to mentor pro bono, is highly encouraged.