Welcome…

to the world of musical harmony and creativity! We are delighted to introduce you to our esteemed music instructor, Ellen Hoffman, a talented and experienced pianist and vocal coach who is passionate about sharing the magic of music with her students.

With a wealth of experience spanning many years, our dedicated teacher offers a diverse range of services to help you unlock your full musical potential. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced musician, her expertise and nurturing approach make her the perfect guide on your musical journey.

For more than 25 years, Ellen Hoffman has composed and arranged for Oakland Symphony, under the direction of the late great Michael Morgan. Often collaborating with gospel artist Terrance Kelly, Ellen has written a number of arrangements of traditional African-American spirituals for choir and orchestra, sometimes with audience participation as well. The very first arrangement was Let Us Break Bread Together, which you will hear at today’s concert. Ellen is pleased to be at the piano again, playing for Terrance, Oakland Interfaith gospel Choir, and Oakland Symphony.

Ellen has worked with many artists including Rita Moreno, Linda Ronstadt, Bobby McFerrin, and Joan Baez. Former music director and co-founder of Jazz Camp West as well as Berkeley Broadway Singers, Ellen is composer for Strength from the Roots, an innovative East Bay program that encourages immigrant students to creatively share their personal stories, which Hoffman turns into songs which then are performed in concert.

Discover the art of melody and rhythm through a variety of services:

Piano Lessons:
Explore the enchanting world of piano with personalized lessons tailored to your skill level and musical interests.

Vocal Coaching:
Perfect your vocal skills and uncover the true power of your voice, guided by a skilled instructor.

Improvisation:
Learn the beautiful art of spontaneous musical expression and develop your improvisational skills.

Ear-Training:
Sharpen your listening skills, enhancing your ability to recognize notes, chords, and melodies effortlessly.

Music Theory:
Delve into the fundamental principles of music and gain a deeper understanding of its inner workings.

Songwriting:
Unleash your inner songwriter and create melodies and lyrics that express your unique voice.

Composition:
Hone your skills in composing original pieces of music, from classical to contemporary genres.

Modes:
Explore the diverse modes of music, adding depth and complexity to your musical repertoire.

Orchestration:
Learn how to arrange and score music for various instruments and ensembles.