Discover the Joy of Music Lessons at Hoffman Academy Portland

Located in the Cedar Mill / Bethany neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, Hoffman Academy offers music lessons for kids ages 5+, teens, and adults of all skill levels. Our signature "Hoffman Method" integrates modern learning science with a fun, engaging curriculum that fosters fast progress, outstanding skill, confidence, and a lifelong love for music making. 

In a spirit of exploration and fun, the Hoffman Method introduces the language of music through a carefully designed sequence, always bridging from the familiar to the unfamiliar, and always connecting sound to symbol. Students achieve excellence through careful development of hands, ears, mind, and heart. The result is confident music makers who feel a profound sense of ownership and musical understanding.

Music Lessons & Classes We Offer:

  • Piano Lessons (Ages 5+)

  • Guitar Lessons (Ages 8+)

  • Voice Lessons (Ages 9+)

  • Adult Music Lessons (Ages 18-99)

  • Summer Programs (Ages 5-99)

Learn more & then enroll!

Not local to Portland? Join us for remote music lessons!

Our mission is to inspire a new generation of music makers.

Music Lessons in Portland, Oregon at Hoffman Academy

Music Lessons & Classes

Ages 5+

Discover the joy of playing the piano with the guidance of our expert piano teachers.

Ages 8+

Whether you’re into rock, folk, blues, or classical, learn to play and perform like a pro.

Ages 9+

Learn effective and healthy techniques for beautiful singing with an experienced teacher.

Ages 18+

Designed with flexibility in mind, catering to beginner, intermediate, and advanced adult learners.

Ages 5-99+

Flexible private music lessons and exciting piano camps to keep the music going all year long..

Fostering a life-long love of music

Our approach

The Hoffman Method Guide - A Complete Musical Education (Transposition, Ear training, Composition, Technique & Artistry, Rhythmic & Melodic Dictation, Improvisation

Our approach to piano, guitar, and voice lessons blends a rigorous musical education with deep personal enjoyment. Every student, no matter what age, enjoys the process of learning music at Hoffman Academy, thanks to our innovative multi-sensory method which keeps students engaged every step along the way to achieving musical proficiency. 

The Hoffman Method aims to create well-rounded musicians who not only play, but who truly comprehend music. Students who use the Hoffman Method develop a broad array of musical skills and a sense of empowerment in knowing they can express themselves creatively and meaningfully through the language of music. To achieve this, the Hoffman Method emphasizes multiple areas of learning: music theory, ear training, improvisation, sight reading, technique, solfège, and rhythm.

Talented, Passionate, & Fun Instructors

Come and learn from our faculty of expert musicians, many of whom are regular performers in Portland's music scene. All Academy teachers undergo intensive training in the Hoffman Method. Throughout their time at Hoffman Academy, they receive continual coaching, with senior instructors guiding newer members. Our instructors prioritize ongoing education, regularly exchanging innovative teaching techniques during monthly training sessions. Learn more about our teachers.

Online Academy

After seeing the success of his method with piano students at our Portland academy, Mr. Hoffman decided to take the Hoffman Method to the world! Hoffman Academy now offers a catalog of over 300 online video lessons, available at no cost, to piano students across the globe. A Premium account provides students with downloadable sheet music, learning resources, interactive learning games, and practice tools at an affordable monthly or annual rate.


Fun fact: Students at our Portland Music School receive a complimentary Premium account with Hoffman Academy online!

  • “Our teacher’s love of music is contagious to the kids. He holds them to a high standard and pushes them but does so with kindness and a seemingly deep understanding of what it’s like to be in their shoes. They seem to know that he understands them, respects them and enjoys being with them.

    Parent of a Hoffman Academy Piano Student

  • “Our teacher has been great. He connects well with our daughter and caters his teaching to her personality and interests. His love of piano and music inspires her to want to be better at playing and creating music.”

    Parent of a Hoffman Academy Piano Student

  • "We love the methodology, the teachers, the music theory, the practical application and how fun piano learning is for my kids. We look forward to (especially the kids and also me) piano lessons every week."

    Geetu M., Parent of a Hoffman Academy Student

You belong here.

Hoffman Academy Portland seeks to create a welcoming, nurturing, and supportive environment in which to learn and share music for all people, regardless of age, religion, race, gender, orientation, ability level, or socioeconomic background.

Get Started

Q & A

  • At Hoffman Academy Portland, we welcome students as young as 5 for piano lessons, while guitar lessons are best suited for students ages 8 and up. Because of the way the voice changes as we age, voice students should be at least 9 years old. If your student is younger, you may want to get them started on learning music theory by heading to our Online Academy where we have over 300 free video lessons with over 40 million views!

  • We offer music lessons in piano, guitar, and voice.

  • Not at all! Speak with your teacher to get tips and resources for practicing at home, even if you don't have a musical background. Or - check out our adult programs and start your own musical journey as well!

  • A 45-minute lesson typically hits the sweet spot – offering enough time to learn, practice, and engage without feeling too intense. For our younger voice students, we sometimes recommend 30-minute sessions to ensure their vocal cords aren't strained. For those looking to dive deeper, and if our teachers' schedules permit, we also offer 60-minute sessions. To discuss the best fit for you or your child, please contact our office or speak directly with your teacher.

  • All of our Portland music teachers are trained musicians, most actively perform, and are trained in the Hoffman Method. If you have specific needs or interests, include them in your enrollment form, and we'll consider them when matching you with a teacher. Teacher availability varies, so specific instructors may not always have openings.

  • Yes! We offer one-on-one virtual piano, guitar, and voice lessons that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home. Reach out to our office to learn more!

  • The Hoffman Method differs from traditional piano lessons. Schedule a $45 trial lesson, and we will assess your student's current level and introduce them to the Hoffman Method, including composition, transposition, ear training, and sight reading.

  • Come Together Week is a Hoffman Academy tradition that promotes ensemble playing, builds community, and offers performance practice beyond the two annual recitals.

  • Typically, students progress through 1-2 units per semester. This pace can vary based on the student's abilities and aptitude.

  • Of course not! Whether you're reigniting a long-held musical dream, tapping into a dormant passion, or discovering a completely new love for music in adulthood, Hoffman Academy would love to be a part of your musical journey. We offer multiple options designed to fit around the busy schedules of our adult learners. Click here or reach out to the office to learn more!

  • Every musical journey begins with a single note. At Hoffman Academy, we guide beginners on this journey using our signature Hoffman Method. It's a carefully sequenced approach based on the science of language acquisition that brings together the best of music theory, sight reading, ear training, and more, all delivered in a fun and engaging way. Even the earliest beginners can start feeling like a musician from the very first lesson.

  • Not ready for in-person lessons? Hoffman Academy believes in universal access to music education. We offer over 300 free online video piano lessons, bridging the gap between curiosity and accessibility. When you’re ready to take your learning journey to the next level, our team of expert teachers here at Hoffman Academy will be here waiting for you.

  • Choosing music lessons means choosing growth—intellectually, emotionally, and creatively. Hoffman Academy is at the forefront of providing holistic musical education in a nurturing environment. You can learn more about the benefits of learning music here.

  • Please visit our Tuition Page to view tuition & registration fees.

       
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Hoffman Academy of Portland - Music Lessons
12660 NW Cornell Rd. Portland, OR 97229