Joseph Hoffman began playing the piano at age six. In high school, he studied with Alfred Mouledous, principal pianist for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. While continuing his musical studies in piano and conducting at Brigham Young University, Mr. Hoffman was appointed chorusmaster and conductor for numerous BYU opera productions, including Carmen and Pirates of Penzance. He conducted the 300-voice University Chorale and taught courses for music majors in music theory, conducting and sightsinging.

In order to help pay his way through grad school, Mr. Hoffman began teaching piano lessons to kids in the neighborhood. He wanted his students to love music and piano playing as much as he did, but he struggled to find a piano method that provided a rigorous, well-rounded musical training, while still being fun and engaging. Over the next several years, he made it his personal quest to study all he could about learning theory, and he actively researched the best methods available for teaching music. It was from these years of study, exploration, and experimentation that the “Hoffman Method” of teaching piano was born.

After graduating with a Master of Music in 2005, Mr. Hoffman was appointed as faculty in BYU’s School of Music, where he taught music theory and conducting for 2 years. In 2007, Mr. Hoffman decided to pursue a lifelong dream and moved to Portland, Oregon with his wife and two sons to start a music academy.  Hoffman Academy of Music has experienced rapid growth, and now serves over 250 students with a faculty of 11 teachers.

Joseph Hoffman is also active as a composer and conductor, and his original works have been heard in many performance halls. From 2011-2013, Mr. Hoffman served as orchestra conductor of the Portland Ensign Choir and Orchestra.

Mr. Hoffman regularly serves as an adjudicator of piano festivals and events, and provides training to other piano teachers in the Portland area on the “Hoffman Method.” His most recent project is to share the Hoffman Method with the world for free by creating a series of video piano lessons on his website HoffmanAcademy.com. Mr. Hoffman is thrilled to now be sharing his passion for music and piano with thousands of kids and adults around the world!