Russell Hoffmann

Russell Hoffmann is an Associate Professor of Piano at Berklee College of Music and a faculty member at Wellesley College in Jazz Piano. A multifaceted pianist, recording artist, composer, and arranger, he specializes in jazz, Latin, and pop styles. His career highlights include serving as musical director for Marlena Shaw and the Langston Hughes project at the University of Minnesota, collaborating with renowned artists like Bobby McFerrin and Billy Hart, and performing with orchestras such as the Boston Pops and Rochester Philharmonic.

Education

• B.M. from The University of Texas at Arlington
• M.Ed. from Cambridge College

Hoffmann’s research and practice focus on jazz improvisation, contemporary piano techniques, ensemble performance dynamics, and cross-genre musical arrangements. As a clinician, he has participated in international programs, including Berklee’s Umbria Jazz Festival Summer Program in Italy, ICOM Malaysia, and Seoul Jazz Academy in Korea. His pedagogical contributions include authoring workbooks on Keyboard Comping and Ensemble Performance under Berklee Press.

Notable career affiliations include broadcasts on WMRE, WGBH, and CBC, as well as arranging pieces for orchestral ensembles. Hoffmann has also been involved in prestigious festivals like Heineken Jazz Fest in Puerto Rico and the Berklee Annual Jazz Festival.