Nicole Hardin
Nicole Hardin is a composer, arranger, violinist, violist, conductor, contractor, and creative entrepreneur whose work spans the worlds of orchestral music, commercial entertainment, education, and community impact. Known for her exceptional ability to “write what she hears,” she has established herself as a sought-after arranger and orchestrator for some of today’s most recognizable artists and productions. Her credits include work with Eminem, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, John Legend, Toni Braxton, Lizzo, and Ms. Lauryn Hill, for whom she served as string arranger, conductor, and contractor for The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill Anniversary Tour featuring the Fugees.
With the Atlanta Music Project, Ms. Hardin has composed original works and arranged music for several collaborations, include Lecrae, Monica, and T.I.
For the AMP World Music Festival, Ms. Hardin has arranged a suite of music featuring popular melodies and folk tunes from Cape Verde. The World Premiere of this arrangement - The Voices of Cape Verde - will take place on June 14, with the AMP World Music Festival Orchestra. Tickets are available here. Ms. Hardin took the time to answer our questions, in the run-up to this concert.
What are your first memories of being involved in music?
It's been a part of me since birth. Being from a musical family, I can recall as far back as a 2 year old hearing my dad play organ in church and both parents exposing my brother and myself to classical music.
At some point in your musical development, you discovered that you had an amazing ear. You breezed through music dictation classes in college. How has this helped you in your career as a composer and arranger?
Having a keen ear helps when music needs to be created or edited on the fly in high tension settings.
Your composition, The Voices of Cape Verde, is a suite for symphony orchestra based on famous melodies, rhythms, and songs from Cape Verde. The World Premiere will take place with the AMP World Music Festival Orchestra on June 14. Tell us about your process for this work.
I did quite a bit of research before putting down even one note. It was important that I understand Cape Verdean's rich history which actually explained the reason for the different genres, use of instrumentation within those genres, technique, approach, and subject matter. At that point, I found various folk tunes, making the decision to highlight those genres attached to that specific tune instead of "attempting" to write original works. It was tricky because I wanted to represent the culture to the best of my ability.
You've arranged and composed for the Atlanta Music Project now, many times. Original works, and arrangements for T.I., Monica, and Lecrae. Why do you continue to work with AMP?
Well...I was an orchestra teacher for 10 years. Even though I've transitioned into the music industry, I will always be a teacher at heart. I can't help it. So when I'm asked to create for students, I don't turn down the opportunity. I genuinely enjoy writing for them and I hope it helps shape their develop.
[note from AMP: watch Nicole's arrangement for an ensemble of AMP students who perform on T.I.'s NPR Tiny Desk Concert.]
For students that are interested in composition but don't know where to start, what would you advise them?
Listen to lots and lots of music...all kinds of genres and world music. In my opinion, knowing the fundamentals and mastering an instrument will always set you up for a solid foundation. From there, get under a mentor or teacher. Remain a life learner, challenging yourself to know more and know. You have a voice. Figure out what that is and how to use it.
Beside AMP, of course, what are some celebrity collaborations that you really enjoyed?
Ms. Lauryn Hill & the Fugees, John Legend, Tyla, and CeCe Winans to name a few.
