Larry Hoffman

I studied under Larry for about 2 years, such a knowledgeable teacher. His approach made learning natural, easy and fun. It was a giant step towards my musical goals. Thank you Larry. Reggie Wayne Morris more

At 18 years old I was a self-taught, play-by ear guitarist. I wanted to take my playing to the next level so I enrolled for classes in Jazz guitar and music theory at the Peabody Preparatory School. I was pleased to meet my instructor, Larry Hoffman, who was approachable, authentic, humorous and down-to-earth. In just a few years of study with Larry, my guitar playing, knowledge of theory and songwriting improved greatly. Larry took me back to basics in an inspiring way infusing theory with his rich knowledge of music history from the masters to the blues. Larry opened up my guitar playing with exercises such as chording (and scaling) in 5 positions and improvisational jams where I was encouraged to explore. The skills I picked up from Larry remain present in my playing three decades later and I gig regularly in an acoustic folk-rock duo. Larry Hoffman inspired, encouraged and pushed me to become the best musician I could and I'm ever thankful. Michael Thiess more

A friend of mine recommended Larry to me ten years ago and I have been taking lessons ever since. I suffered from what a lot of guitar players suffer from, which is not understanding what you need to study to be a real musician. Larry’s approach is comprehensive to say the least. If you are dedicated enough to music and you want to improve across a wide variety of skills then go to Larry! more

I studied guitar, theory and musicianship with Larry for a little over five years. Larry was an excellent teacher, and took my playing and understanding of music to the next level. One thing that always impressed me about his lessons was the organized system that he used. It kept the objectives and goals for each lesson clear and concise. I always knew what to practice, and what to expect in each lesson. Another aspect of Larry’s lessons that I always appreciated was the inclusion of musicianship and theory in my lessons. In addition to directly related guitar topics such as picking technique, chords and scales, we would also work on sight-singing, rhythm, and four-part writing and composition. After studying with him for a little while, not only do your guitar skills improve, but your overall understanding of music really begins to mature. I would recommend lessons with Larry to anyone who wants to seriously learn guitar, and further their knowledge of music. more

I have had the great privilege of studying under Larry Hoffman. Although I can vouch that Larry is a well-regarded expert guitar instructor, my focus as a student with him was in Music Theory and all of its components: Rhythm Training, Sight Singing, Harmony, Analysis, and Four- Part Writing. As an instructor, he is a walking textbook, a wealth of the subjects of music theory, music history, and his own personal history of interactions and involvement with famous composers, bluesmen, folk artist, and rock and rollers. I became a student of Larry's during the time he composed String Quartet No.1: The Blues, and upon its world premiere, I was both astonished and filled with pride to have witnessed the extraordinary caliber of Larry's talents. As a composer he shows us incredible intellectual facility, and more importantly he ushers a music that is delivered unpretentiously and soulful, from the depths of his remarkable life experiences and encounters. As Larry is one of the most influential instructors I have ever had, I am truly honored to have been a student of his. - Jeremy Horseman more

I was twelve years old when I started taking lessons with Larry. At that age, I was already fronting my own blues band as a guitarist and singer, and performing weekly at bars in Baltimore City. I thought that I knew it all but little did I know, that was only the beginning of a long musical journey which Larry would help to set the course. He introduced me to essential skills for good musicianship; such as rhythm training, sight singing and music theory. In addition, he taught me proper guitar technique and jazz improvisation. Instead of enforcing a strict regiment, he insisted that I tackle the materials at my own pace, focusing on my quality of work instead of quantity. He also introduced me to the music of John Coltrane, Eric Dolphy and other great jazz and blues artists. Larry has a vast knowledge of many genres, both classical and popular. I believe that his approach can be adapted to suit students of various backgrounds and interests. During my college application process, Larry helped me prepare by going through each of the audition requirements and devising a plan for success. In turn, this really whipped me into shape as a jazz guitarist. After entering Towson University as a jazz guitar major, those essential skills aided me time and time again, allowing me to excel in my course work and my ensembles. I moved to New York City after college to become a full-time musician; however, I felt there was something missing. So I decided to apply to graduate school to study classical composition and musicology. I didn’t realize it at that time, but I am now, in a way, following in his footsteps as a composer and a historian. more