07
Mar
Guitar Teacher: Ryan Hoffman
Guitar Lessons at Off the Wall!
The newest addition to our faculty is Ryan Hoffman, gypsy jazz extraordinaire. Ryan has been working in the Seattle music scene for nearly twenty years. He is a member of the popular Northwest Gypsy Jazz group, Pearl Django, and a founding member of Zazou, a dynamic Seattle based swing sextet. He performs with his own trio, as well.
As you might imagine, Ryan has a busy playing schedule, performing nationally and internationally, as well as in clubs and private events in the Pacific Northwest.
Ryan has also been teaching guitar for over fifteen years and loves working with students of all ages. He has experience teaching private lessons, online lessons, group classes at TOPS elementary, specialized workshops and has been an instructor at music camps for children and adults.
Diverse Musical Interests
Musically, Ryan has a broad scope. He played in working rock and blues bands in the Kansas City area through high school and college. When he moved to the Northwest he became interested in traditional American styles, like Bluegrass, Old-Time, Delta Blues and Ragtime guitar and he worked in several “Americana” styled acoustic bands playing clubs, cafes, weddings and dances. Ryan’s interest in acoustic music led him to Swing Jazz, which he has specialized in for the last ten years, including a year of intense study in France with some of the best Gypsy guitarists in the world.
Teaching Style
Ryan teaches with a relaxed, positive attitude. He focuses on creating a supportive yet engaging environment where the student’s musical interests and goals are nurtured.
His aim is to help students reach their potential and have a great time doing so.
