Guitar & Music Theory Lessons

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Introduction

In addition to over ten years of professional playing in Cape Cod, San Francisco, and Baltimore,I am a Grammy nominee, and have received awards for composing, record production and music journalism. I hold a bachelors and masters degree in music theory and composition from the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University, where I served as faculty and administrator in their Preparatory Division in the fields of music theory, guitar, jazz ensemble, and music history. I also am proud to have had six years jazz study with Dennis Sandole, the teacher of John Coltrane. You can hear some of my music and read more about me on my website. As a teacher, I very much enjoy helping my students understand their musical goals and ambitions; and, with those in sight, seeing each of them progress as musician and artist--each along his or her own personal path. I pride myself in knowing that each of my students plays differently than the others as they all pursue their musical uniqueness. I am very proud in having played a role in each of their lives. Let it not go unsaid that each of them--to the extent that they will allow :) ... is thoroughly trained by me in aspects of chords, scales, technique, style, and genre history -- as well as all aspects of traditional music theory. Many have gone on to advanced standing in highly respected musical institutions, a transition I with which I was happy to help.

Overview

Hired 23 times

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55 years in business

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This pro accepts payments via Cash and PayPal.

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Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for value, and work quality.

Excellent 4.9

20 reviews

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Patrick K.

Nov 23, 2014

Patrick M.

Jan 29, 2016

Larry changed my playing for the best, and I honestly couldn't be more thankful that I was lucky enough to find him. His teaching methodology, knowledgeably about jazz/blues/classical music have absolutely changed my life. Before I started with him, I had been self-taught with scattered lessons from the internet/local players. I had never really developed much of an individual voice on the instrument, and the guitar itself was quite mystifying. I never understood how to put ideas together on the neck with any fluidity, and I never really understood how chords worked/ how scales worked/ the symmetry of the guitar. Larry showed me how to connect musical ideas across the entire instrument in any position, no matter where you are - liberating. You will develop your very own chord and scale vocabulary, and you will have a powerhouse of ways to use it. Once I had the entire instrument at my disposal, he constantly and in innovative ways pushed me to develop my own voice on the instrument - this is key. You will sound like YOU, no-one else, and that is what is so lost in most guitar instruction these days. Not only will you unlock the neck of the guitar, you will do it with the most minimal effort possible. His methodology focuses on using the least amount of energy possible to achieve your musical goals. Playing went from a frustrating and confusing mess, to a relaxing and rewarding experience. Again, you will be able to take any tune and make it as originally yours as possible. Not only do you get a world-class guitar education, but you also have the added advantage of Larry's extensive theoretical and composition knowledge\experience. You will develop these areas of musicianship in tandem with your guitar playing: 1.) Ear training\sight-singing\sight-reading: Larry highly emphasizes and nurtures this important skill. He teaches you to hear musical ideas - you will sing them, write them, and eventually play them. Specifically, you will learn to hear patterns from scales, chords, intervals, and larger compositions. This is HUGE if you play any improvisational music, or with a group - your ears are everything. You will learn how to sight-sing musical notation also - a seemingly forgotten skill among anyone else I've encountered. You will learn how to sight-read music in every position on the guitar possible. This idea coincides with his general methodology: no matter where you are on the instrument, you will be able to express an idea. This is a great skill that I've been able to vastly improve upon - and believe me, I was terrified of sight-reading. 2.) Rhythm training: You WILL learn how to keep time. I often avoided sight-reading because I didn't know how to keep time very well. I started off with the basic divisions, and worked my way smoothly and progressively into more challenging divisions. Larry has an amazing ear, so he can point out when you are even slightly off on something, which was a huge help. 3.) Comprehensive music theory: Larry is a remarkably talented classical composer, and he has a ton of experience to boot. You will get the same music theory education as if you were enrolled at a conservatory, with worksheets, exercises, tests, and creative assignments that he developed at Peabody conservatory. You get all this and more. Larry is also a blast to talk to since he has spent so much time traveling around playing music with people. He is a wealth of information regarding other artists, and music history. He's genuinely a wonderful person, he's my musical hero, and one of the most influential people I've ever met. He's one of those once-in-a-lifetime treasures. If you are lucky enough to get a spot with him, TAKE IT. I can't stress enough how much you will thank yourself.

Jim J.

Jan 19, 2017

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Hired on Thumbtack

My first lesson with Larry Hoffman went very well. I was satisfied with the instruction as well as lesson objectives moving forward. Mr. Hoffman possesses a wealth of music knowledge that I'm looking forward to tapping into with much appreciation. JIM

Guitar Lessons (for adults)

Alex R.

Nov 24, 2014

When I started lessons with Larry, I had been taking guitar lessons for three years under a learn by learning songs method. I didnt know exactly what I needed, but I knew that I wanted get deeper into music, both theoretically and in my guitar work. I tend towards a combination approach of intellectual and emotional, and I value doing things well, and seeing its link to the larger picture of music. When I pursued Larry as a teacher, I realized I was taking a next step. What I found in Larry as a teacher and person is an expert in blues music and in how to teach music, particularly guitar. He has piqued my intellectual interest and challenges me to keep learning both the guitar techniques and theory. I didnt know exactly what I was looking for, but this was ita Peabody Institute-quality education mixed with blues experience, theory and then throw in endless stories about music from the sixties onward, because Larry was there. You can read his bio for all of the things hes done, and theyre numerous, but I keep learning more. Most importantly, though, Larry is a great teacher. I trust Larry, and I know he sees something in me. He is a cheerleader-style coach, but an honest one. I know that when Larry tells me that I have potential or talent in a certain area, that hes telling the truth. Hell be just as honest when Im not doing something well, also. Larry has a system that works, and he knows how to teach it and adapt it to my style of learning. My understanding of music, my ear especially, has grown leaps and bounds since taking lessons from himI no longer feel frustrated, like Im missing something. I know that if I continue to practice what he is teaching me, I am going to be an expert at guitar and will perform publicly. Larry is an amazing resource, a wonderful teacher, a composer, and a pretty funny guy. Most importantly hes serious about, and seriously involved with and expert in musiches inspired me and hell inspire you.

Mike G.

Nov 26, 2014

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Lawrence Hoffman

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My fee is $70 an hour, or $35 a half-hour. Once you start studying with me, the fee will not increase.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
First, and most importantly, I find out the goals of the student... what he or she wants to do musically, short and long-term. Then, I evaluate the skills of the student (beginning or advanced, it makes no difference).. I look for strengths and especially for weaknesses, so as to tell the new student what I feel he or she needs and how I will help them gain strength in those areas. I will also suggest methods of practice.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been a professional folk, blues, and jazz artist as well as a Grammy-nominated blues historian, and an award-winning record producer. And I have won awards as a composer. I have a Masters and Bachelors degree in theory and composition from the Peabody Conservatory, where I taught for ten years. I also studied jazz for six years with the teacher of John Coltrane. I have been teaching for over forty years, and love to teach. I have my own program and use selected texts when needed. Teaching is not something I do on the side for money, it is a crucial part of my art.

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