Fun to learn, teach, and practice!

Submitted 9 years ago

Community Review for Hoffman Academy

Heidi E.
Heidi E.
My Rating
Pedagogy
Supports

My Take

This method offers students a balanced musical education, well-supported by activities, games, and practice hints. From reading to ear training, this method has been a delight to learn, to teach, and to practice with my own children! I especially appreciate the folk-song approach for beginners, transitioning into piano repertoire at an appropriate pace of development. I highly recommend this method to all teachers of music. I would recommend not just that teachers try this method, but that they also train with Joseph Hoffman, who is an outstanding teacher and educator.

How I Use It

I’ve used this method with great enjoyment and success in my own studio for the past 5+ years. I appreciate the careful development of skills for a beginning student, and while it moves quickly compared to a traditional method book series, students are able to move at the pace set by the method, and see quick progress in their playing. The practice mp3 files are very helpful to students and teachers, the funsheets are engaging, and the note reading development is right on track to build strong readers. If a parent is lost at home, they can visit the YouTube channel for help - a great support!

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Danielle R.
Danielle R. Teacher
January 6, 2016

I have searched for this method for years.

This method is very engaging for just about every type of learner out there. The more I dig into the layers Joseph has laid out, the more possibilities for the students. Students immediately get a lot of self-empowerment from the approach I described above. As I told one parent today, his last teacher may have shown him how to play beautiful pieces really well by rote, but this method gives the student all the power to teach himself without me. Kids really do love that. There are so many things I love about this program. Students are constantly singing, and I never have to push them because they love the CD. We had our first recital this winter with zero stage fright. All the parents marveled and credited me for preparing them so well-- but the truth is, I think it's because the method instills so much self esteem. Technique, theory and ear training are a natural part of this holistic program. And it's FUN! I could go on and on. One limitation awhile back was that many of my students ages 6 and younger were very overwhelmed at reading Dinah after all the songs we learned by pattern so easily. I emailed Joseph, who occasionally graces me with his time, and he gave me excellent tips including sight reading exercises. The students love those and it seemed to solve the problem. Like most piano teachers, I am a huge fan of Faber as well, but I prefer this method because of the holistic way children absorb the music. I use Faber supplementally, but I actually think this method is far more complete and gives students the chance to make music from within, not only reading off the page. While both methods employ improvisation, the singing and the multi-sensory aspects of the Hoffman method give it major edge! I also love Joseph's videos as a resource both for myself as a teacher, and for students who miss class. Obviously I could go on and on, but I will finish by saying that I cannot recommend this program highly enough.
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