~Building Futures Through Music~
Music instruction for all ages through private lessons, ensembles, and group classes. It would be pointless.
Non-profit organization based in Hickory, NC The Hickory Music Factory or (HMF) was founded 2012 by Tony Eltora and Rick Cline. Their vision was to provide Their students and the community with more meaningful opportunities to learn, create and experience music in-addition to fostering an environment of creativity and originality. They wanted to place a particular emphasis on youth, and have progr
ams designed to empower them through a variety of musical avenues. In starting the Hickory Music Factory, Tony and Rick found that there was a void not being met for students and people in the community in regard to music and wanted to focus on three areas that they though they could have an impact on. Teaching: Tony and Rick noticed that most places that taught lessons didn’t have adequate teaching space and therefor making it harder for students to learn. They wanted to have a place where students would be inspired to want to learn and hang out. They also noticed music programs were being cut in schools in the area and wanted to starting a middle and high school community big band and jazz combo. In addition to 6 teaching rooms at the Hickory Music Factory facility, there is a music library where students and members can check out music books, CD’s and records, a performance area where HMF host recitals and clinics, a computer lab where students can learn about recording software, and a jam room set up with drums and amps for kids to come by after school and practice with their bands. HMF also provides private lessons, classes and camps for ages 5 years old and up. They offers lessons for guitar, piano, drums, bass, violin, flute, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, voice and more…
The organization isn’t classically based in its approach to musical education. Rather, the Hickory Music Factory takes a well-rounded, inter-disciplinary approach and strives to address each child on an individual basis. Unfortunately, many music programs have rigid guidelines that don’t allow for all children to succeed. Therefore, we seek to address the system and nature of teaching music that inhibits growth and success. They don’t offer a strict curriculum but a malleable model meant to encourage all. Catering to each student’s unique passion, they offer individual lessons in several genres. Every person is different and learns differently and, in turn, music serves a different purpose in every life. The Hickory Music Factory believes in celebrating students and their differences and helping them find their individuality in music. Performance: The 2nd area Tony and Rick wanted to focus on was performance. They believe that if you don’t have a goal, then you’re not living up to your potential. Imagine being on a soccer team and going to practice every day, but never having a game. There would be no reason to put forth all your effort to make the starting line up. For musicians, the gig is the game and performance opportunities are key to helping a person develop as a musician. HMF provides their students and people in the community with a number of performances throughout the year such as the “Swinging Under the Stars” and the Hickory Music Factory Stage at “Oktoberfest.” HMF also brings national and regional artists to our area for clinics and concerts. In addition, many students participate in their community drum circles, open mic nights, student concerts, and their annual Rock Camp and Recording Camp. Community Outreach: The 3rd and final area that Tony and Rick wanted to focus on was community outreach. They felt that every person should have the opportunity to learn and play music regardless of finances or physical disabilities. HMF takes music programs to community centers, schools and churches in the area and have recently partnered with the City of Hickory and the Hickory Parks and Recreation Department to help make music more accessible to people in the community. HMF also provides scholarships and work study programs for students in the community who want to further their musical education and need financial assistance. Ultimately, the Hickory Music Factory wants to provide a musical experience for the individual and community that is void of all barriers, whether from learning differences, financial struggle, or physical ability.
07/16/2026
Hey Hickory! Join us on Friday, July 17 for the final concert of the 2026 Hickory Music Factory Rock Camp!
This year’s camp has been built around an 80s vs. 90s theme, and our five student bands are ready to take the stage after a week of rehearsing, collaborating, and creating music together.
Each band will perform three songs:
🎵 Two cover songs
🎵 One original composition created during Rock Camp
📍 The Premier
🕖 Doors open at 7:00 PM
🎶 Concert begins at 7:30 PM
Admission is $10 per person at the door, and children under 12 are free. Your admission helps offset a portion of the cost of this incredible venue.
That said, if the admission fee presents any difficulty for you or your family, please reach out to us privately. We never want cost to prevent anyone from enjoying this special event.
Our students have worked tirelessly all week, and we couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished! Come cheer them on, celebrate their hard work, and enjoy some great live music with these amazing kids!
🤘 See you Friday night!
07/16/2026
Hey Hickory! Join us on Friday, July 17 for the final concert of the 2026 Hickory Music Factory Rock Camp!
This year’s camp has been built around an 80s vs. 90s theme, and our five student bands are ready to take the stage after a week of rehearsing, collaborating, and creating music together.
Each band will perform three songs:
🎵 Two cover songs
🎵 One original composition created during Rock Camp
📍 Hickory Premier
🕖 Doors open at 7:00 PM
🎶 Concert begins at 7:30 PM
Admission is $10 per person at the door, and children under 12 are free. Your admission helps offset a portion of the cost of this incredible venue.
That said, if the admission fee presents any difficulty for you or your family, please reach out to us privately. We never want cost to prevent anyone from enjoying this special event.
Our students have worked tirelessly all week, and we couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished! Come cheer them on, celebrate their hard work, and enjoy some great live music with these amazing kids!
🤘 See you Friday night!
06/23/2026
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent community music events! We were thrilled to share music together at the HMF Community Drum Circle on Thursday and at our International Music Day string band performance on Saturday.
These programs are wonderful examples of what the Hickory Music Factory strives to be in our community. As much as we enjoy making music “for” people, our greater goal is to make music “with” people. Music has a unique way of bringing neighbors together, building friendships, and creating meaningful shared experiences.
If you enjoyed these events—or if you’ve been curious about participating—we invite you to join us for our next Community Drum Circle on Thursday, October 6. No experience is necessary; just bring yourself and a willingness to make music alongside some wonderful people from our community! The Dtum Circle is presented in partnership with Hickory, Parks And Rec and will be led by instructors Matt Decker and Daniel Brodie.
06/20/2026
06/19/2026
🎶 Make Music Day is coming to Downtown Hickory! 🎶
Join us on Sunday, June 21 from 3–8 PM at the CommScope Stage on Union Square for a celebration of music, community, and local talent!
As part of the global Make Music Day, happening in cities around the world, Downtown Hickory will come alive with performances from talented students of:
🎵 Hickory Music Factory
🎵 Golden Rule Music School
This free community event is all about bringing people together through the joy of music—so bring your lawn chairs, your friends, and enjoy an afternoon and evening on the Square.
Hosted by:
Hickory Downtown Development Association, Hickory Music Factory, Golden Rule Music School, and Arts Culture Catawba
💙 Come experience the sound of our community.
Tag someone you want to bring with you!
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06/16/2026
Get ready to hear the sound of drums downtown! The Hickory Music Factory, in partnership with City of Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism, will host a Community Drum Circle under The Sails on the Square this Thursday, June 18, from 7-8 p.m. This is a free program. All ages and skill levels are welcome to attend. A limited number of drums will be provided. So if you have your own drum, bring it and join in the fun!
Hickory Downtown Development Hickory, NC Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Hickory Music Factory Hickory. Well Crafted.
06/12/2026
Tonight Hickory!!! An air-conditioned entertainment option!! Featuring HMF students/instructors with several bands and artists from the Hickory community, this month’s concert will include performances from students Grace Kehl, Cohen and Maddox Sigmon, Charlie Moses, Nina King and “Better Than Nothing!” There will also be guests from the community including the Ray Shook Band, Earl the Llama, the Gray Man Group, J Patrick, Glitch Lord, Ed and Sands and local rapper, 66Ave. Show starts at 6pm and goes til 10pm!
The Premier Davi Justice Tonnio Covington The Premier Ray Shook
05/25/2026
What a wonderful evening. Thanks to City of Hickory, NC - Government for their partnership.
05/22/2026
RAIN OR SHINE. Hickory Music Factory invites the community to step back in time with “Hickory Swings,” its annual swing dance concert, taking place on Sunday, May 24th from 6:30–9:00 PM at Sails on the Square in downtown Hickory. Pre-event ceremonies for our service men and women will be provided by the Hickory Elks.
This free outdoor event will feature the Hickory Music Factory Jazz Orchestra, performing lively big band arrangements from the Great American Songbook. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair, enjoy the evening atmosphere, and hit the dance floor as classic swing tunes fill the square.
“Hickory Swings” is part of Hickory Music Factory’s ongoing mission to make high-quality music accessible to the community while showcasing the talent of its student and community musicians. The event offers a fun, family-friendly opportunity for people of all ages to experience live jazz and swing dancing in the heart of downtown.
Whether you’re an experienced dancer or just want to enjoy great music under the evening sky, “Hickory Swings” promises an unforgettable night of rhythm, community, and classic American sound.
We would like to thank all of our AMAZING sponsors for their support.
07/16/2026
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