Here’s what’s new and noteworthy this month!

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Sea Turtle Shuffle – Our Newest Piano Video Game

We’re thrilled to introduce Sea Turtle Shuffle, our newest online game designed to help students learn to read notes quickly and confidently!

As you play each note correctly, you’ll help baby sea turtles hatch and find their way to the ocean
The game uses a “Guide Note” approach to note reading, focusing on specific “landmark” notes on the staff
As you level up, additional notes are gradually and systematically added
For an extra challenge, each game ends with a “speed round” where you can see how many cards you can complete in 20 seconds

Available for Premium members

Sight Reading Trainer Now Available in Print

Our popular Sight Reading Trainer Book 1 is now available as a printed copy on Amazon, featuring beautiful cream-colored paper that’s easy on the eyes during practice sessions. Just $5.95 for a limited time! If you purchase a copy on Amazon, please consider leaving a review to help others discover Hoffman Academy

To celebrate, all three digital Sight Reading Trainers are being discounted for a limited time on our website.

Perfect for students looking to build foundational sight reading skills!

Fresh February Finds

New Video Lessons

Spotlight: Defying Gravity from Wicked

We’re excited to feature our tutorial for “Defying Gravity” from the musical Wicked. This highly requested piece captures the dramatic climax of the first act with its powerful melody and compelling harmonies.

Our step-by-step tutorial breaks down this inspiring song into manageable sections, making it accessible for early intermediate players. With the recent release of the first installment of the Wicked movie, it’s the perfect time to learn this modern musical theater classic!

Sheet music for this piece is available from Sheet Music Direct.

Technique Building

This month, we’ve added two important fingering technique-building resources to help pianists develop stronger, more independent fingers:

Finger Independence Exercises – No Piano Required! Our new video demonstrates practical exercises that can be done anywhere, anytime – perfect for strengthening your playing even when you’re away from the piano:

Simple finger tapping patterns on any flat surface
Exercises targeting the challenging 4th (ring) finger
Rhythm exercises with metronome guidance
Wrist and finger stretches to prevent tension

Hanon Exercise #13 (Lesson 340) Continuing our series on Hanon exercises, Mr. Hoffman guides students through Exercise #13 from “The Virtuoso Pianist.” This lesson:

Features Mr. Hoffman’s modified version of the exercise that gives the left hand’s 4th and 5th fingers more practice
Explains why the modifications improve upon Hanon’s original pattern
Reviews “fast tools” techniques: Slow/quick – Quick/slow practice, Fast 4s, and metronome practice
Includes a printable sheet music download

These exercises help build the dexterity, control, and independence needed for more advanced playing while reducing the risk of injury.

March in D Major from Unit 17

In this series, Mr. Hoffman teaches the more challenging B section first, allowing students to tackle the difficult part while fresh and motivated, then build confidence with the easier A section.

Lesson 337: March in D Major by CPE Bach, BWV Anh. 122 – B Section
Lesson 338: March in D Major by CPE Bach – A Section
Lesson 339: March in D Major: Form & Artistry

New Sheet Music

Fun duets & some Irish songs in preparation for St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th!

Amazing Grace Duet (Late Elementary)
Battle Hymn of the Republic Duet (Early Elementary)
Danny Boy Duet (Late Intermediate)
Danny Boy (Early Elementary Version)
Irish Washerwoman Duet (Early Elementary)
Happy Birthday Duet (Early Elementary)
In the Hall of the Mountain King Duet (Intermediate)
The Galway Piper Duet (Early Elementary)
Theme from the Seventh Symphony Duet (Early Intermediate)

New Blog Articles

Your Guide to Different Types of Pianos – And which type is best for your family?
5 Easy Piano Pieces for Church – Learn how even beginners can contribute to their congregations musically!
All About Franz Joseph Haydn – His life, legacy, and musical genius
Piano Rhythm Exercises for Beginners – Tools & terminology for the beginning pianist
Pitch In Music – Did you know? Humans can hear nearly 1,400 distinct pitches!
Finger Independence Exercises for Pianists – No piano needed!

New Store Items

Fairy Tale Color-by-Note Bundle (Early Elementary)
Guide Notes on the Grand Staff (Early Elementary)
Finger Numbers (Early Elementary)
Enharmonic Key Signature Guide (Early Intermediate)

Mr. Hoffman’s Popular Hits Collection

We’ve added several popular song tutorials to our website that were previously only available on YouTube. These videos include clear, step-by-step instruction for playing some of our most requested songs:

Sheet music for these popular hits is available in Mr. Hoffman’s Hits book on Amazon.

Coming Soon

Stay tuned for exciting new content in March:

Three Unit 17 lessons featuring Scott Joplin’s ragtime hit “The Entertainer”
A highly requested tutorial on Pachelbel’s Canon in D
Plenty more sheet music & worksheets, including some St. Paddy’s Day worksheets!

Premium Membership Benefits

Our commitment to making music education accessible remains strong with our extensive library of over 350 free video lessons. These lessons continue to be the foundation of our program, guiding students from their very first notes to becoming confident musicians.

For those considering upgrading to Premium, membership includes:

Affiliate Program

Did you know you can earn commission by recommending Hoffman Academy to friends, family, and followers? Our affiliate program allows you to:

Earn a 20% commission on all Premium memberships purchased through your unique referral link
Access marketing materials and tracking tools in your affiliate dashboard
Help more people discover the joy of learning piano while earning income

Click here to join our affiliate program today! It’s free to join and a great way to support both your network and our mission of making quality music education accessible to everyone.

Share Your Piano Journey

We love seeing and hearing how Hoffman Academy is helping music flourish in your home!

Please consider sharing photos or videos of:

Students working on their worksheets
Playing songs learned through our lessons
Improvising at the piano
Enjoying our interactive games
Practice sessions in action

Your submissions may be featured on our social media channels or in our newsletter. These shares inspire our community and show others the real impact of consistent practice.

Click here to see one of our Unit 16 students perform a skillful & artistic take on “Spinning Song.”

Submit your performance videos & images here!

Until next time…happy practicing!

The Hoffman Academy Team

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