At 18 years old I was a self-taught, play-by ear guitarist. I wanted to take my playing to the next level so I enrolled for classes in Jazz guitar and music theory at the Peabody Preparatory School. I was pleased to meet my instructor, Larry Hoffman, who was approachable, authentic, humorous and down-to-earth.

In just a few years of study with Larry, my guitar playing, knowledge of theory and songwriting
improved greatly. Larry took me back to basics in an inspiring way infusing theory with his rich knowledge of music history from the masters to the blues.

Larry opened up my guitar playing with exercises such as chording (and scaling) in 5 positions and improvisational jams where I was encouraged to explore. The skills I picked up from Larry remain present in my playing three decades later and I gig regularly in an acoustic folk-rock duo.

Larry Hoffman inspired, encouraged and pushed me to become the best musician I could and I'm ever thankful.

Michael Thiess