MY TEACHING
From folk guitar to jazz, learn music in a way that’s tailored to your goals and passions.
The late,, world-class oboe player and teacher, John Mack, once remarked that
"Teaching is close to a sacred duty."
It has always felt that way to me. I turned away a number of players when I was young and self-taught, lest I teach my personal style and not "music." After I had studied, I started giving serious lessons, I felt secure that I would be leading them down a proper road of basic skills and understanding. Then, it would be up to them to find and develop
their personal style!
Many of my students have gone into professional music: recording, performing, and teaching -- others have continued to savor music as a lifelong, personal pursuit.
Each of them has had my admiration and undivided attention.
I have been playing and teaching professionally for over forty years.
- Acoustic & Electric Guitar
- Acoustic solo performances
- Acoustic duo with bass and/or harmonica
- Electric lead guitar with various local bands i
- Genres: Blues, rock, folk, country
- Performance Locations: Baltimore (blues and rock bands; party and club dates), San Francisco, and Cape Cod
- Jazz Experience: Began performing jazz with small groups in the 1970s
- Former Faculty Positions
- Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University
- Co-chairman, Preparatory Theory Department
- Instructor in all levels of music theory, from basic scales, intervals, and triads to fugues and sonata-form works
- Founded the first jazz ensemble at Peabody Conservatory
- Courses Taught: jazz improvisation, music history (classical, blues, jazz)
- Also taught at Johns Hopkins Evening College, Johns Hopkins University, and Goucher College Center
- Student Range: Ages 7–, including professional musicians performing, recording, and teaching throughout the U.S.
- Self-Taught Beginnings: I developed a unique system of chording and finger-style techniques through self-study
- Jazz Studies: I studied with Dennis Sandole (teacher of John Coltrane, Pat Martino, and Jim Hall) where I learned
- Sight-reading
- A Scale system covering the entire neck
- An Advanced chordal system
- An approach to jazz improvisation
- An Introduction to music theory, including ear training,sight-singing,and rhythm training.
- Degrees: Bachelor’s and Master’s in Composition from Peabody Conservatory
Guitar Lessons
- Rates: $70/hour, $35/half-hour
- Contact: lh@larryhoffmanmusic.com
Program Includes
- Songs: Students select songs they want to play; and coaching is provided.
- Improvisation: Teaching soloing over chord changes , beginning with blues.
- Chords: Thorough understanding of chords:-- voicings, resolutions, and their implementation in various keys.
- Scales: Scales and modes, from the basic (major, minor, blues, and variations)
- Arpeggios: Creating melodies from simple to advanced chords across the fingerboard.
- Pick Technique: Effective use of a flatpick in various styles from folk to jazz.
- Fingerpicking Techniques: Traditional styles used by great blues, folk, and ragtime players.
Additional Instruction
- Music Theory: Comprehensive, easy-to-understand, basic study applied to jazz, classical, and folk.
- Ear Training / Sight Singing / Rhythm Training: Essential elements of musicianship.
Comprehensive Music Theory & Improvisation
For guitarists and non-guitarists alike, I offer a complete course in music theory and guides to improvisation. I believe that understanding music theory i.e. how music "works" is essential for any serious musician who wishes to enjoy a foundation of creativity, expression, and technical mastery.
Larry’s Teaching Background
Larry’s approach to teaching is built on decades of study and experience:
- B.A. and M.A. in Music Composition—Peabody Conservatory, Johns Hopkins University
- Former Faculty Member, Peabody Preparatory School, Baltimore
- Co-Chairman, Music Theory Department
- Creator & Director, Jazz Studies Program
- Director, Arts Expansion Program
What Students Learn
Larry’s music theory curriculum moves from fundamentals to advanced concepts, helping students grow into confident, versatile musicians.
- Scales, intervals, and triads
- Four-part writing and harmonic analysis
- Study of Bach chorales and classical/romantic works
- Sight-singing, ear training, and rhythm training
Former & Current Students
My students have ranged from beginners to performing, professional musicians and composers. Many have gone on to achieve a successful career in music.
Below are letters from (just) two exceptional, devoted students whom I had the privilege of teaching at the Peabody Preparatory School. It's wonderful to hear from former students such as these. It makes it all worthwhile!
Whether you’re an aspiring musician or a professional looking to refine your skills, my lessons offer personalized guidance rooted in decades of experience as a composer, educator, and performer. I look forward to hearing from you!
Sharing My Passion for Teaching Music
Years ago, as a self-taught guitarist, I turned away students. After mastering music theory and guitar technique, I gained the confidence to teach proper methods and help students understand how music works, allowing them to find their own musical path.
Larry Hoffman Music
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