Guitar Lessons & Music Theory with Larry Hoffman

I have had the great privilege of studying under Larry Hoffman. Although I can vouch that Larry is a well-regarded expert guitar instructor, my focus as a student with him was in Music Theory and all of its components: Rhythm Training, Sight Singing, Harmony, Analysis, and Four- Part Writing. As an instructor, he is a walking textbook, a wealth of the subjects of music theory, music history, and his own personal history of interactions and involvement with famous composers, bluesmen, folk artist, and rock and rollers. I became a student of Larry's during the time he composed String Quartet No.1: The Blues, and upon its world premiere, I was both astonished and filled with pride to have witnessed the extraordinary caliber of Larry's talents. As a composer he shows us incredible intellectual facility, and more importantly he ushers a music that is delivered unpretentiously and soulful, from the depths of his remarkable life experiences and encounters. As Larry is one of the most influential instructors I have ever had, I am truly honored to have been a student of his.

- Jeremy Horseman

At 18 years old I was a self-taught, play-by ear guitarist. I wanted to take my playing to the next level so I enrolled for classes in Jazz guitar and music theory at the Peabody Preparatory School. I was pleased to meet my instructor, Larry Hoffman, who was approachable, authentic, humorous and down-to-earth.

In just a few years of study with Larry, my guitar playing, knowledge of theory and songwriting
improved greatly. Larry took me back to basics in an inspiring way infusing theory with his rich knowledge of music history from the masters to the blues.

Larry opened up my guitar playing with exercises such as chording (and scaling) in 5 positions and improvisational jams where I was encouraged to explore. The skills I picked up from Larry remain present in my playing three decades later and I gig regularly in an acoustic folk-rock duo.

Larry Hoffman inspired, encouraged and pushed me to become the best musician I could and I'm ever thankful.

Michael Thiess

I studied under Larry for about 2 years, such a knowledgeable teacher. His approach made learning natural, easy and fun. It was a giant step towards my musical goals. Thank you Larry.



Reggie Wayne Morris

Even though the lessons provided much technical information, I always felt a connection with the spiritual aspect of music, and since Larry never imposed any style, I came away with confidence in my own uniqueness. I thank him for that. I have had a joyful and rewarding musical life experience and feel a part of a special musical community. I can attribute this to him as well. Much gratitude, Mr. Hoffman!

I initially began taking weekly lessons with Larry three plus years ago specifically to learn how to write songs. This pursuit expanded to an interest in multiple related disciplines such as theory, guitar training and music history. The blues became an important component in my education.



Larry is an exceptionally knowledgeable and talented teacher. He is dependable, patient, and very serious about teaching but with a good sense of humor.

A friend of mine recommended Larry to me ten years ago and I have been taking lessons ever since. I suffered from what a lot of guitar players suffer from, which is not understanding what you need to study to be a real musician. Larry’s approach is comprehensive to say the least. If you are dedicated enough to music and you want to improve across a wide variety of skills then go to Larry!

“You can’t shortcut the shortcut,” he used to tell me. I came to him as a frustrated, self-taught guitar player, tired of the jam scene I grew up in and wanting something deeper and more thoughtful in music. I was in a hurry. I couldn't have done better than to learn under Larry Hoffman.



Larry evaluated my skill set, listened to where I was and asked questions about where I wanted to go. I felt confident he could get me there. I wanted to learn the instrument all over again – start from scratch. I wanted to do it the right way this time. It was my choice, and Larry was obliging. He led me through a rigorous and disciplined regiment of theory and instrument exercises, as much as I could handle. There was no pressure – it was totally my pace, all the time. Larry did an excellent job encouraging my strengths, while also not harping on where I was weak, but if he saw I wasn't into it he could call me out on it right then. He knows how to get you where you need to be.



What developed over a few years, for me, was more than the growing esteem I held for my mentor, but a deepening friendship with someone whom, I came to realize, is truly great. As I met his other students, I could see they all felt the same way. Larry is an acclaimed historian of storied blues legends, a protégé of the late, great Dennis Sandole, a producer, a composer in his own right, making his own way with his own vision. Larry knows the ropes and the corners. He is the shortcut. I recommend him to anyone who is interested to learn guitar and acquire the skills to master it.

I was twelve years old when I started taking lessons with Larry. At that age, I was already fronting my own blues band as a guitarist and singer, and performing weekly at bars in Baltimore City. I thought that I knew it all but little did I know, that was only the beginning of a long musical journey which Larry would help to set the course. He introduced me to essential skills for good musicianship; such as rhythm training, sight singing and music theory. In addition, he taught me proper guitar technique and jazz improvisation. Instead of enforcing a strict regiment, he insisted that I tackle the materials at my own pace, focusing on my quality of work instead of quantity. He also introduced me to the music of John Coltrane, Eric Dolphy and other great jazz and blues artists. Larry has a vast knowledge of many genres, both classical and popular. I believe that his approach can be adapted to suit students of various backgrounds and interests.



During my college application process, Larry helped me prepare by going through each of the audition requirements and devising a plan for success. In turn, this really whipped me into shape as a jazz guitarist. After entering Towson University as a jazz guitar major, those essential skills aided me time and time again, allowing me to excel in my course work and my ensembles. I moved to New York City after college to become a full time musician; however, I felt there was something missing. So I decided to apply to graduate school to study classical composition and musicology. I didn’t realize it at that time, but I am now, in a way, following in his footsteps as a composer and a historian.