He was selected in spring 2016 for the organ soloist A-degree programme at the Sibelius Academy under Markku Hietaharju, and studied organ improvisation under Pekka Suikkanen. Hartikainen completed his A degree in organ playing in spring 2018, and has participated in numerous organist master classes.

He was awarded the title of Director Musices by the Turku Archdiocese Cathedral Chapter in 2019.