Music · Artistry · Collaboration

NICOLE
HARDIN

The art of bringing music to life.

Creative vision and exceptional musicianship, from the recording studio to the concert stage. Specializing in full orchestration, music scoring, arranging, music production, and professional session and live performance.

Producer · Session & Performing/Touring Musician · Orchestrator · Composer · Arranger · Scoring · Conductor · Educator · Consultant

Booking & Project Inquiry
Nicole Hardin with violin in front of a blue wall
About Nicole

Artistry without boundaries.

Nicole Hardin playing violin

Nicole Hardin

Nicole Hardin is a multifaceted music professional whose work spans music production, composition, full orchestration, arranging, music scoring, conducting, studio recording, and live performance.

As a session and performing/touring musician, educator, and consultant, she brings artistic versatility, technical expertise, and creative leadership to projects across genres and performance settings.

Her experience encompasses contemporary music, full orchestra arrangements, orchestral scoring, television, recording sessions, and live productions. With a deep understanding of instrumental writing and collaborative artistry, Nicole approaches each project with a commitment to musical excellence and creative expression.

From studio string sessions and horn arrangements to full orchestral scores and live string performances, her work connects musical ideas with practical, performance-ready solutions.

An educator at heart, Nicole values musical development, mentorship, and the relationships that make meaningful collaboration possible.

Nicole served as an elected Governor of the Recording Academy Nashville Chapter from 2023–2025.

Areas of Expertise

From imagination to performance.

Music Production

Professional music production and creative collaboration with recording artists, composers, musicians, and production teams. Supporting studio sessions, live music production, and projects from concept to completion.

Session & Touring Performance

Professional musicianship for studio recordings, live string sessions, concerts, television productions, special events, and touring engagements.

Full Orchestration

Full orchestra arrangements, orchestration, instrumental writing, and score development for recordings, commissioned works, concerts, and live productions. From individual instruments to complete symphonic ensembles.

Scoring & Score Preparation

Professional music scoring, orchestral score development, and score preparation for recording sessions, live performances, commissioned works, and special productions. Services include full orchestra scoring, instrumental scores and parts, music notation, and performance-ready materials for musicians, conductors, and production teams.

Composition

Original music and musical scoring for artists, full orchestra, instrumental ensembles, commissioned works, concert presentations, and creative projects.

String & Horn Arrangements

Custom string arrangements, horn arrangements, and instrumental writing for recording artists, bands, orchestras, studio sessions, and live performances. Also offering vocal arranging and arrangements for rhythm sections.

Session Strings

Professional session strings for studio recordings, live string sessions, concerts, artist performances, television productions, and special recording projects.

Music Transcriptions

Music transcription and notation for strings, horns, piano, vocals, and instrumental ensembles, including preparation of readable parts and scores for rehearsals, studio sessions, and live performances.

Conducting

Musical leadership for full orchestra, orchestral concerts, recording sessions, staged productions, and collaborative performances.

Music Education

Music instruction, ensemble development, mentorship, and educational experiences supporting artistic and technical growth.

Music Consulting

Creative and technical guidance in instrumentation, orchestration, scoring, ensemble planning, studio session preparation, and project development.

Musician Contracting

Professional musician selection, ensemble assembly, personnel coordination, and session planning for studio recordings, live string sessions, full orchestra productions, and live performances.

A Creative Partnership

Omnia Session Strings.

Session Musicians · Arranging · Contracting

Exceptional musicianship. Thoughtful collaboration.

Co-founded by Nicole and Hamilton Hardin, Omnia Session Strings brings together professional musicians and creative expertise for studio sessions, live string sessions, recording projects, and special productions.

Explore Omnia's dedicated services for session strings, musician contracting, string and horn arrangements, orchestration, scoring, and production collaboration.

Explore Omnia Session Strings
Selected Experience

Work & collaborations.

Artist Collaborations

Earth, Wind & Fire · Mariah Carey · John Legend · Victoria Monét · Becky G · TWICE · D Smoke · Sheila E. · CeCe Winans · Tank · Flavour · Fantasia · J. Ivy · Daniel Caesar · Tyla · H.E.R. · Lauryn Hill & The Fugees · T.I. · Naomi Raine · Mickey Guyton · Toni Braxton · Jessie Reyez · Sara Bareilles · Alicia Keys · GIVĒON

Television & Awards

The GRAMMY Awards · American Music Awards (AMAs) · MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) · Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards · Country Music Association (CMA) Awards · BET Awards · Soul Train Awards · American Idol · The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon · Jimmy Kimmel Live! · The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Orchestral & Operatic

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra · Nashville Symphony · Atlanta Opera

Additional Selected Projects

Tyla · Fantasia · Mariah Carey · Coco Jones · Take 6 · The War & Treaty · J. Ivy · Daniel Caesar

Live Performance

Mary J. Blige · Rihanna · Beyoncé · Kenny Rogers (CMA) · P!nk · Kacey Musgraves · Dan + Shay · Lizzo · JAY-Z · Natalie Grant · Mickey Guyton · GIVĒON

Creative Leadership

Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Governor, 2023–2025.

Additional Selected Performance & Arranging Credits

GIVĒON × Prada (2025): Viola performance.

Mickey Guyton — ACM Awards (2021): Viola performance.

CMA Awards: Viola performance.

Lizzo — GRAMMY Awards (2020): Viola performance.

Toni Braxton — AMAs (2019): String arranger.

Jessie Reyez (2022): Arranger & orchestrator.

Sara Bareilles — American Idol (2022): String arranger.

Alicia Keys — AMAs (2021): Orchestrator.

Mariah Carey — MTV VMAs (2025): String orchestrator & musician contractor.

Selected Original Works & Commissions

Music imagined. Stories brought to life.

Commissioned compositions, full orchestra arrangements, music scoring, and orchestral projects that celebrate musical heritage, reinterpret repertoire, and bring new dimensions to contemporary performance.

2022 · Nashville Symphony Orchestra

Young Warrior — Reimagined

Commissioned to reimagine Young Warrior, associated with James Weldon Johnson and Harry T. Burleigh, Nicole Hardin developed a full-orchestra arrangement that explores the work through a fresh harmonic and expressive perspective. Through thoughtful chord substitutions, expanded orchestral textures, and a deliberate departure from a traditionally patriotic interpretation, she created a more nuanced and contemporary musical experience while honoring the work's historical roots.

Arranger & Orchestrator · Full Orchestra
Watch: Young Warrior — Nashville Symphony Orchestra Select play to watch the performance.
2026 · Atlanta Music Project

Cape Verdean Suite

Commissioned by Atlanta Music Project, Cape Verdean Suite is an original orchestral work celebrating the rich musical heritage of Cape Verde. Drawing upon the islands' distinctive musical traditions, rhythms, and melodic expressions, Nicole composed and arranged the suite for full orchestra, weaving cultural influences into a vibrant symphonic narrative that honors Cape Verdean identity and musical storytelling.

Composer & Arranger · Full Orchestra
Watch: Cape Verdean Suite — Atlanta Music Project Select play to watch the performance.
2026 · Live Recording & Video Production

Flavour: Orchestrated

Commissioned to arrange and orchestrate six selections to date for Nigerian artist Flavour, Nicole brings the energy, rhythmic complexity, and stylistic character of African popular music into a full orchestral setting. Her arrangements integrate the music's African rhythmic foundations and genre influences with expansive orchestral textures, creating a dynamic dialogue between contemporary African music and symphonic expression.

Arranger & Orchestrator · Full Orchestra
Watch Flavour: Orchestrated ↗ Opens the performance video on Facebook.
On Stage

Live performance.

Behind the scenes, moments before the music reaches the audience.

Nicole Hardin backstage overlooking an outdoor concert audience Nicole Hardin preparing backstage at an outdoor concert
Artist Portraits

Behind the artistry.

Nicole Hardin standing with violin
Portrait with violin
Nicole Hardin portrait against blue background
Artist portrait
Nicole Hardin in a black-and-white portrait with violin
Musician and conductor
Nicole Hardin photographed against a city skyline
Artist portrait
Creative double-exposure portrait of Nicole Hardin
Creative portrait
Black-and-white portrait of Nicole Hardin with violin
Black-and-white portrait
Behind the Scenes

At Work.

Moments from recording studios, live stages, rehearsals, and collaborations with fellow musicians.

Client Experiences

In Their Words.

Great music is built through collaboration. Hear from artists, producers, and educators who have experienced Nicole's artistry, musicianship, and commitment firsthand.

Arranging & Production
Nicole is, in my opinion, one of the best string arrangers in the world, and her character and professionalism match her extraordinary talent. She is an incredibly creative, innovative, and versatile musician with a distinct, soulful sound. When you hear her work, you know it’s her. That kind of musical identity is rare, and it’s one of the many things that makes her stand out. Working with her has been a joy, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for exceptional musicianship, integrity, and a true creative partner.
Lio Saenz Multi-instrumentalist & Producer
Music Education & Mentorship
Working with Nicole has been an absolute pleasure. She serves our nonprofit organization with unwavering commitment and dedication. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every student she works with receives a personalized and meaningful learning experience. Nicole is naturally talented, humble, hardworking, and genuinely passionate about making a difference. Her dedication and willingness to go the extra mile do not go unnoticed. We are incredibly grateful to have her as part of our community and are excited to continue working alongside her!
Coretta Ponder Director, DeKalb Christian Home Educators

Have you collaborated with Nicole? We would love to hear about your experience.

Share Your Experience
Let's Collaborate

Let's make something extraordinary.

For music production, studio recording, live string sessions, session strings, full orchestra arrangements, full orchestration, music scoring, score preparation, composition, string and horn arrangements, music transcription, conducting, education, consulting, commissions, and musician contracting inquiries.

Have a project in mind? Share the details through the booking form below.

For general correspondence: stringschickmusic@gmail.com