Hoffman Academy

PianoMusicInstruments
Written By Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

Hoffman Academy was founded by Joseph Hoffman, a music educator passionate about making piano learning accessible and fun for everyone. With a background in music and a dedication to education, Hoffman developed the "Hoffman Method" to teach music in an engaging, effective manner. His approach has been likened to Mr. Rogers due to its gentle, encouraging style. Hoffman Academy has grown significantly over the years, earning acclaim for its comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes enjoyment in learning, which has attracted a vast number of users worldwide​ (Hoffman Academy)​​ (Hoffman Academy)​.

Differentiation

What sets Hoffman Academy apart is its use of the Hoffman Method, a holistic teaching approach that incorporates ear training, rhythm, sight reading, improvisation, and music theory. This method ensures that students not just play, but understand music deeply, promoting a rounded musical education. The program is tailored to support learners of all ages and encourages the development of musical skills through engaging activities and games​ (Hoffman Academy)​​ (Hoffman Academy)​.

How to Get Started

Starting with Hoffman Academy is straightforward. The platform offers both free and premium options, making it accessible to various budgets. Lessons are organized into units and delivered via short video formats ideal for young learners' attention spans. The premium membership provides additional resources like practice plans and downloadable materials​ (Hoffman Academy)​​ (Juice Box Homeschool)​.

How It Works

Designed for homeschool use, the program is largely independent, requiring minimal parental supervision. Recommended practice time varies by age, starting with short daily sessions and increasing as the student progresses. This flexibility allows the program to easily fit into a homeschool schedule, supporting both structured learning and free exploration of musical concepts​ (Hoffman Academy)​​ (Hoffman Academy)​.

Educational Content

  • Ear Training: Develops listening skills and musical memory.

  • Rhythm: Builds foundational music skills through beat and rhythm exercises.

  • Sight Reading: Enhances ability to read and interpret music.

  • Technique: Focuses on posture, hand positioning, and effective finger use.

  • Improvisation: Encourages creative musical expression.

  • Music Theory: Offers a deep understanding of musical structures and elements​ (Hoffman Academy)​.

What’s Good About It

Users often praise Hoffman Academy for its engaging teaching style and comprehensive music education. The interactive nature of the lessons, combined with the gamification of learning tasks, makes the program enjoyable and keeps students motivated to continue their musical journey​ (Hoffman Academy)​​ (Juice Box Homeschool)​.

What Could Be Improved

While the program is well-regarded, some users have expressed a desire for more diverse music genres and updated song selections to keep older students engaged. Additionally, while the premium features are valuable, users would appreciate more clear communication regarding access to downloaded materials after subscription ends​ (Juice Box Homeschool)​.

Advice from Parents

Parents recommend setting a regular daily practice schedule to build routine and enhance skill development. They also suggest engaging with the community aspects of the program, such as sharing progress and experiences with other learners, to increase motivation and enjoyment​ (Hoffman Academy)​​ (Juice Box Homeschool)​.

Who It’s an Ideal Fit For

Hoffman Academy is perfect for homeschool families looking for a structured, yet flexible, music education program that caters to young beginners but also accommodates older students. It is especially suited for those who prefer learning through interactive, multimedia content​ (Hoffman Academy)​​ (Juice Box Homeschool)​.

Who It’s Probably Not a Fit For

It might not suit families looking for more traditional, classical piano training or those who prefer in-person lessons for more personalized feedback and adjustment of technique​ (Hoffman Academy)​.

Grades

The program is appropriate for students from Kindergarten through 12th grade, with materials adapted to different learning stages.

Cost

Hoffman Academy offers a range of pricing options, starting with free lessons; premium features are available from $19 for individual units to $85.50 for a full set of materials​ (Juice Box Homeschool)​.

Ways to Get It

Hoffman Academy’s lessons are available directly from their website, with options to sign up for free access or subscribe to premium features for enhanced learning materials and benefits.

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Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

For the last 20 years, I’ve taught over 2000 children in 3 countries (of all socio-economic backgrounds). I pioneered an English language program in a conflict region in the Middle East. I’ve worked as a bilingual public school teacher at some of the highest and lowest performing public schools and in all five boroughs of NYC. I’ve tutored 18 subjects in three languages to some of the wealthiest families in NYC, San Francisco and Paris to make up for shortcomings in private schools they were paying up to $60,000 a year to attend.

Since 2015, I’ve helped hundreds of parents start microschools (way before this was a household buzzword). I founded CottageClass, the first marketplace for microschools and learning pods that was part of the Techstars 2018 class. In 2019, I created a virtual learning program to help families through the pandemic, a free online math tutoring program (masteryhour.org), and schoolclosures.org, a hotline developed in collaboration with Twilio and 80 other partners including Khan Academy, Revolution Foods and the Crisis Text Line, that served 100,000 families impacted by school closures.

I’ve climbed trees with children in forest schools in San Francisco, and tested new digital apps with kids in seven countries.

I’ve also coached dozens of families at different stages in their homeschooling journey. Most recently, I founded Modulo with homeschooling dad, best-selling author and tech entrepreneur Eric Ries, to help families curate their children’s education, social and childcare experiences drawing from a diverse array of in-person and online resources.


During the last three years, I’ve devoted much of my time to reviewing and testing secular homeschooling curriculum and other resource. I’ve spent the last three years talking to thousands of secular homeschooling families, and poring over tens of thousands of secular curriculum reviews and testing physical curriculum and digital apps for with hundreds of students to find the highest quality, most engaging, personalized learning materials for every type of learner.

I’ve spoken about homeschooling and modular learning at multiple venues including SXSW EDU, NY Tech Meetup, and on the LiberatedEd podcast.

In 2022, Modulo was one of 8 organizations who were awarded the Bridge Grant from the Vela Education Fund to expand access to homeschooling and modular learning to under-resourced communities.

My experience in education and homeschooling has led me to believe that there is no perfect education for every child, but families have an extraordinary amount of wisdom they can apply to building the perfect education for their individual child.

My goal with Modulo is to make it possible for any family to easily build a customized education that their child will love, and that will empower the whole family to thrive, taking into account, social, emotional and academic needs.

I love to answer questions from parents and receive feedback on how we can improve Modulo, so feel free to reach out anytime! I personally answer all the questions and comments readers leave on my blogs.

In my free time, I like hiking, traveling the world, tasting ceremonial grade matcha, enjoying dark chocolate.

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brandeis University with highest honors, with a double degree in French Literature and American Studies and minors in Environmental Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies.

And I love to learn!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manisha-snoyer-5042298/
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