Katherine Hoffman

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

Faculty: voice, flute, recorder, sight singing, chamber music

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

Katherine Hoffman is a versatile musician, excelling as both a flutist and a vocal artist. Growing up in West Hartford, Connecticut, Katherine embarked on her musical journey by starting flute lessons at age eleven and voice lessons at thirteen. 

After earning a B.A. in music from Barnard College and a master’s degree in voice from the Manhattan School of Music, Katherine further honed her craft with diplomas from the Mozart Academy in Salzburg, Austria as well as a certificate in Vocal Science and Pedagogy from the New York Singing Teachers Association. She has performed as a recitalist and in opera, oratorio, and musical theater. Her career as a professional singer spans both the United States and Europe. In addition to solo roles, she has graced operatic stages in Austria and various regions across the United States with a repertoire of over 40 opera choruses and has performed and recorded for esteemed ensembles such as Schola Cantorum, Gregg Smith Singers, and Philadelphia Singers. Katherine’s solo performances have been celebrated in recitals, churches, synagogues, choral and oratorio societies, and chamber ensembles, including notable venues such as Bloomingdale School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, Canterbury, Bronx and St. Cecilia Choral Societies, Casa Italiana, Italian Cultural Institute, Symphony Space, Bordon Auditorium, and Kathryn Bache-Miller Theatre.

In addition to her accomplishments as a performer, Katherine has been recognized by NYSTA (New York Singing Teachers’ Association) as a Distinguished Voice Professional and served on the board of directors for ten years, including a role as Director of the Professional Development Program. Her vocal repertoire spans a range of languages, and she specializes in teaching vocal technique and diction in Italian, French, German, and Russian.

As a flutist, Katherine studied under Harold Bennett of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in New York City, and in Salzburg, Austria. Her flute performances have graced stages in New York City and beyond. 

For over 50 years, Katherine has been a dedicated faculty member at Bloomingdale, leaving an indelible mark on the school through her teaching and performances. Her teaching repertoire encompasses voice, flute, recorder, sight singing, and chamber music, catering to students of all ages and abilities. She takes great pleasure in her students’ enthusiasm, accomplishments, and appreciation, including successful preparations for flute and voice students auditioning for LaGuardia High School of Music and Art.

Known for her balanced approach of seriousness and humor, Katherine fosters a disciplined yet enjoyable atmosphere in her lessons. She takes pride in nurturing a love of music in her students while emphasizing musical phrasing, sound quality, and technical proficiency tailored to each individual’s needs.