Hoffman Academy review

Hoffman Academy is the strongest pick for children because it teaches a full method, not a song list. Joseph Hoffman's 400+ video lessons take a student from first notes through reading, rhythm, playing by ear, improvisation, transposition and lead sheets, and the whole video series is free. Premium adds the pieces that make home practice work: step-by-step practice sessions between lessons, audio play-along tracks, downloadable Method Books with theory worksheets, a sheet music library of over 750 titles, printable flashcards and board games, and online games for rhythm, note reading and ear training. Premium is $24 a month or $239 a year, and extra family members on the monthly plan cost $12 each, which suits siblings. The method is tested with kids and is popular with homeschool families, and Hoffman says it also works for adults. The limit is feedback: the videos cannot hear you, so a parent or the student has to judge whether a piece is right.

Who it is for

Children, homeschool families and parents who want a structured method at a low cost.

Price

Free plan with 400+ video lessons; Premium $24 per month, or $20 per month billed yearly at $239.

YEARLY $20/month Billed yearly at $239
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• 400+ video lessons that teach songs, theory, improvisation and more, free
• Hoffman Method Books with worksheets and answer keys on Premium
• Sheet music library of over 750 titles and printable games
• Online games for rhythm, note recognition, sight reading and ear training
• Guided practice sessions with professionally recorded play-along tracks

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The full video course is free
• Strength: A real method that teaches reading, theory and composing
• Strength: Additional family members on Premium are $12 per month
• Weakness: Videos do not listen to your playing like an app
• Weakness: The style is aimed at kids, which some adults may not enjoy
• Weakness: Practice tools and books require Premium

Key facts

• Free plan: Yes, 400+ video lessons
• Premium: $24 monthly, or $239 billed yearly
• Family members: $12 per month each on monthly Premium
• Guarantee: 30-day money back guarantee
• Sheet music: Library of over 750 titles

Where it ranks

Hoffman Academy is No. 2 in our Best Online Piano Lessons verdict.