Katherine Hoffman

“At all levels, I emphasize musical phrasing and quality of sound along with technical work.”

M.M., Manhattan School of Music
B.M., Manhattan School of Music
B.A., Barnard College, Columbia University

Katherine Hoffman is a multi-faceted musician, pursuing a career as a flutist and vocal artist. Growing up in West Hartford, Connecticut, Katherine 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 because I wanted to sing whenever possible and I loved performing.”

After earning a B.A. in music from Barnard College and a masters in voice from Manhattan School of Music, as well as diplomas from the Mozarteum Academy in Salzburg, Austria, Katherine developed an extensive career as a professional singer, both in the United States and Europe. She has performed as a recitalist and in opera, oratorio and musical theater, and specializes in vocal technique and diction coaching of Italian, French, German and Russian. As a flutist, she studied in New York City and in Salzburg, and has performed in the New York City area. She has been recognized by NYSTA (New York Singing Teachers’ Association) as a Distinguished Voice Professional and was an active member of the board of directors for ten years, which included her position as Director of the Professional Development Program.

Katherine loves the variety of teaching voice, flute, recorder, sight singing and chamber music. Her teaching style mixes seriousness with a sense of humor, enabling students to work in a relaxed and fun but disciplined atmosphere. At all levels, she hopes to inspire a love of music and emphasizes musical phrasing and quality of sound along with ongoing technical work. On recorder she teaches students as young as five, incorporating Dalcroze rhythm and movement techniques when appropriate. “Some children find it helpful to do some rhythm work through movement. Others have a long concentration span and need constant challenges.” Between the ages of eight and twelve, she helps transition many of these recorder students to flute, while her voice students range from age 10 through adult years. She successfully prepares many of her voice and flute students for auditions for LaGuardia High School of Music and Art. In working with adult students, Katherine molds her teaching style to each individual. “Adult students who are beginners often come with a wonderful enthusiasm but may have unrealistic expectations. They need positive encouragement and an understanding of the need to be patient with themselves.”

A faculty member at Bloomingdale for over 35 years, Katherine 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’.” Katherine loves teaching and finds great satisfaction from working with students of varied ability in achieving the highest level of competence, both technically and musically, that is possible for each individual.