About Matthew Hoffmann
Matthew Hoffmann is a D.C. area French Horn and Upper-Brass instructor. He is from the small town of Kings Park, New York, where he studied the Horn since elementary school, beginning in the fourth grade. He works with students of all ages and levels, specializing in beginners & intermediate students.
Matthew has worked with wonderful teachers and mentors over the years, including Karen Bernstein, Chris Zacher, and Tom Gellert. Matthew's Horn playing career began moving forward with leaps and bounds while studying under Tom Gellert; he was a formative instructor in Matthew's high school years, and he took his playing to new heights. Under his instruction, Matthew was selected to perform in the SCMEA All County Band from grades 8- 10 and NYSCAME All County Band in grades 11 and 12. During this time, he served as principal horn, and co-principal. Matthew was also able to perform in two NYSSMA All State ensembles, the Symphonic Band, and Symphony Orchestra. Throughout his high school career, Matthew is grateful that he was able to have wonderful performance opportunities outside of school, such as the Nassau-Suffolk Wind Symphony, Long Island University Orchestra, the Mamaroneck High School Pit Orchestra, and the US Army 'Pershing's Own' Ceremonial Brass.
Matthew is currently a member of the Huntington Community Band, under direction of his former teacher, Tom Gellert. Matthew is also in his senior year at George Mason University and completing his degree in French Horn Performance (expected May 2022). He is also working towards a minor in Arts Management. At George Mason, Matthew is a very active musician who takes part in many different performance opportunities, both in and outside of GMU. He has recently performed with a number of groups, including Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Brass Ensemble, the Brass Quintet Corn, Green Machine, and the Green Machine 8th Regiment Band.
In lessons, Matthew places a lot of importance on a structured approach to guiding his students. Developing music reading skills and general music appreciation is a part of all his lessons, and he strives to foster an inviting and comfortable learning environment for students. His hope is to promote enthusiasm for French Horn and develop independent practice skills. In addition to supporting students in middle and high school ensembles, he also helps students prepping for college auditions. Specifically, he worked with the NY State School Music Association to assist with music selection, assigning practice hours required for mastery of pieces, and assessing progress and accuracy in playing.
Outside of his playing and teaching, Matthew is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity, where he serves as the Vice President of Service.
