Bloomingdale School of Music - Faculty - Recorder

Katherine Hoffman is a multi-faceted musician, pursuing a career as a flutist and vocal artist. Growing up in West Hartford, Connecticut, Kathy began flute lessons at age eleven and voice at thirteen. "I chose the flute because I listened to music in concert and recordings and loved the sound of the instrument. I began voice lessons when my parents realized they couldn't stop me from singing all the time and I loved performing."

Kathy's teaching style mixes seriousness with a sense of humor, enabling students to work in a relaxed but disciplined atmosphere. At all levels, she emphasizes a focus on musical phrasing along with technical work. On recorder she teaches students as young as five, incorporating Dalcroze rhythm and movement techniques when appropriate. "Some children have difficulty staying still for the duration of the lesson and find it helpful to do some rhythm work through movement. Others have a longer concentration span and need constant challenges." Between the ages of eight and twelve, Kathy helps transition many of these recorder students to flute.

Kathy also works with adult students, molding her teaching style to each individual. "Adult students who are beginners often come with a wonderful enthusiasm but may have unrealistic expectations. These students need positive encouragement and an understanding of the need for them to be as patient with themselves as the teacher is with them."

A faculty member at Bloomingdale for over 35 years, Kathy has created many memories, both teaching and performing at the school. She recalls one ensemble of eight year-olds who were "so excited about learning and choosing their performance pieces that they came up with a name for their group, 'The Tremendous Three'." Kathy loves teaching the children who learn easily, but her greatest satisfaction as a teacher "comes from working with those who have started off slowly and struggled, but eventually achieve a high level of competence both technically and musically."

Katherine Hoffman recorder and flute