Every pianist has a first song. For many Hoffman Academy students, it’s “Hot Cross Buns” in Lesson 1. For others, it’s the day “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” finally passed smoothly from one hand to the other.
For November’s Monthly Student Challenge, go back to one of the first Hoffman Academy songs you learned and play it again. It’s amazing to hear how far you’ve come!
Entries close November 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
How to enter
- Choose an early favorite. Pick a song you learned near the beginning of your Hoffman Academy lessons. Your very first song is a great choice, and so is any early piece you loved.
- Decide how you’ll play it. Play it the way you first learned it, or add something you’ve learned since. You’ll find a few ideas below.
- Record your performance. Announce your piece, tell us when you first learned it, play, and take a bow. We recommend keeping your video under three minutes.
- Submit your video. Use the submission form linked on our Student Showcase page by November 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
A few early favorites
- Hot Cross Buns, Five Woodpeckers, or Listen for Bells: Three songs from Unit 1. “Hot Cross Buns” comes first, in Lesson 1.
- Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star: A timeless folk tune played with both hands.
- Chopsticks: Euphemia Allen wrote it in 1877, when she was 16. She named it “The Chop Waltz” for the chopping motion used to play it.
- Ode to Joy: The first piece by a famous composer, Ludwig van Beethoven, in the Hoffman Academy lessons. It’s also where students first learn the dotted quarter note.
Any early favorite from our video lessons or the Hoffman Academy Store is welcome.
Give an early favorite a fresh sound
Play it the way you first learned it, or try one of these ideas:
- Move it to a new key. Show off what you’ve learned about transposing.
- Add chords. Harmonize the melody with the chords you’ve learned.
- Shape it with dynamics. Play one phrase softly and answer it with a louder one.
- Make it a duet. Teacher Accompaniments for Units 1 and 2 turn the very first Hoffman pieces into full duets, so a beginner song becomes something the whole family can play together. These accompaniments are included with Premium membership and also available for individual purchase.
Resources for your flashback
📜 Repertoire List: A free one-page tracker for the pieces you’ve learned. Add your flashback song, then keep filling in the list as your repertoire grows.
🐣 Materials for Lesson 1: Where it all begins. This free download includes “Hot Cross Buns” sheet music, a theory page, a Parent Guide, and listening and practice audio tracks.
🎮 Piano games: A quick warm-up before you press record on your video.
📘 Hoffman Method for Piano books: Journey back to Unit 1 to see where you started.
How the winner is chosen
Each month, the Hoffman Academy team chooses a favorite performance to feature, and that student wins their choice of Hoffman Academy merch. You don’t have to be our most advanced student. We’re looking for effort, expression, and joy at every level.
Explore past performances and share yours in the Student Showcase.
Coming in December
Holiday music season is almost here. Start choosing your favorite now, and you’ll have a head start on next month’s challenge.
Questions about entering
Can beginners enter?
Yes! A short piece you know well makes a wonderful entry. Students at every piano level are welcome. If you started recently, your flashback might only go back a few weeks, and that counts too.
Any song you learned early in your piano journey can win. To be featured in our Student Showcase, choose music that isn’t protected by copyright. Our suggested early favorites are a great place to start.
Does it have to be my very first song?
No. Any song you learned early in your piano journey is welcome. Choose something from the Hoffman Academy Store or lesson library. You can use one of our suggestions or pick another early favorite.
How do I submit my video?
Go to the Student Showcase and follow the submission form instructions. You’ll also find general video submission FAQs there.
Will the community vote for the winner?
Our team will choose a favorite to feature. There’s no need to gather votes.
When will the winner be announced?
We’ll announce the winner in our Monthly Roundup email in early December, and we’ll email the winning student to choose their prize. Not every submission will be featured, but we appreciate every student who shares their music with us.
Ready for your flashback moment?
Pick an early favorite, announce your piece, play, and take a bow. We can’t wait to hear how far you’ve come!
Entries close November 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.