The Hoffman Method

A whole new way to learn piano!

At Hoffman Academy, you’ll learn piano by playing real songs on day one. It’s what we call experience before explanation. It’s fun, builds confidence, and leads to better results. It’s one of the reasons we’re so different from other music programs out there.

Method Background
Founder, Director, and Expert Piano Teacher Joseph Hoffman with sidekick Keys.
Method Background
Founder, Director, and Expert Piano Teacher Joseph Hoffman with sidekick Keys.

Become a well-rounded musician.

Rooted in early child development and learning theory, the Hoffman Method teaches you to not only play piano but to truly comprehend music. Its multi-sensory approach engages your natural curiosity and creativity while providing a high level of musical proficiency. Your child will love becoming a well-rounded musician with Mr. Hoffman! Kids start playing music by ear to build a strong foundation of musical understanding. Students will progress to understand music theory, learn to improvise, read sheet music & rhythms, and more!

Here’s what you’ll learn

Eye

Sight Reading

Play a song that you’ve never played before just by reading the notes on the page.

clef

Music Theory

Master concepts such as chords and key signatures, so you understand music at a deep level.

music notes

Rhythm

Understand the patterns of sound in time, so you know when to play each note.

ear training

Ear Training

Learn to hear a melody, identify its unique patterns, and recreate it on the piano.

improvisation

Improvisation

Create your own music on the fly, exploring your way around the keyboard without sheet music.

technique

Technique

Set yourself up for a lifetime of healthy playing with good habits like correct posture and hand position.

soflege

Solfege

Recognize patterns and relationships between different notes in a musical scale.

pen

Composition

Write original piano pieces and share them with the world. It’s a great way to reinforce learning and feel a sense of ownership!

The Hoffman Method works for everyone!

What do kids love?

  • Getting to play music on day one!
  • Videos and interactive games make online learning super fun.
  • Building a repertoire of music and the confidence to play for anyone, any time.
  • Mr. Hoffman—his friendly, patient teaching style (and his finger puppets)!

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What do parents love?

  • No more complaining; kids actually want to learn and keep going!
  • It’s a complete musical education, from playing by ear to understanding music theory.
  • Daily practice plans tell students what to work on—so parents don’t have to!
  • Progress tracking shows how much growth kids have made.
  • Mr. Hoffman—his friendly, patient teaching style (and his finger puppets)!

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What do teachers love?

  • It’s a complete musical education, from playing by ear to understanding music theory.
  • The flexibility to integrate the Hoffman Method into their own teaching style and curriculum.
  • Ideas and resources that inspire students to build musical skills in new ways.
  • It’s a modern approach grounded in the latest learning theories and science.

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What do Adult learners love?

  • Playing music right away, on their schedule and from the comfort of home.
  • It’s a complete musical education—no shortcuts!
  • The step-by-step approach makes learning feel simple and natural.
  • Making progress with just 15 minutes a day!

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What do homeschool families love?

  • It’s a complete musical education that’s child-friendly, G-rated, and 100% fun!
  • The high-quality curriculum and learning resources are grounded in learning science.
  • Daily practice plans tell students what to work on, encouraging independent learning.
  • Everything kids and parents need is online, right at their fingertips.
  • Progress tracking shows how much growth kids have made.

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“I have two children who have learned to love practicing the piano because of your fun, information-packed videos! Thank you!"

Sheri, Parent

"In less than 2 months, my eight-year old son is learning solfège, and has transposed songs, composed a song or two, and improvised a bit. I'm so impressed with the lessons and wish I had learned this way."

Tara, Hoffman Academy Parent

"This method is a whole-music approach—fun for the students and teachers, and develops complete musicianship skills from the start and a lifetime enjoyment of music."

Heidi, Piano Teacher

"I am in my sixties, and I have been enjoying the lessons, step by step. Thanks! I did not think it would be possible at my age."

Nasreen, Adult Learner

"Our six-year old is excitedly showing everyone that she can play Hot Cross Buns. I appreciate that the lesson included history, theory, recognizing patterns, and actually playing!"

MaryAnn, Homeschool Parent