Album Notes

Marc Hoffman's music, whether symphonic, pop vocal or commercial, is known for its eclecticism. At times pastoral and reminiscent of the "Americana" of the mid-20th century, his concert works can also be quite dissonant. His popular music styles range from contemporary Christian to synth pop.

Marc was born in Salisbury, NC, received a degree in composition from the North Carolina School of the Arts, and did additional study in film composition at USC. Prior to attending NCSA he studied voice, composition and piano at Pfeiffer University. He received a scholarship through the NC School of the Arts Foundation to spend a summer studying at The Dartington International Summer School of Music in Devon, England. His composition teachers have included Sherwood Shaffer, David Ott, Leo Arnaud, Neil Hefti, Bruce Broughton and Fred Steiner. He is a member of BMI and the American Composer's Forum.

Marc's Homeland for orchestra has been well-received over the past 15 years. The solo piano piece, "Middle Earth" was premiered in the U.S. by the composer. A U.K. performance followed by pianist Andrew Ball. Of the U.K. performance, The London Guardian said, "...the Hollywood impression's of Marc Hoffman's (piano work) made some pieces on the program seem stale and derivative." Three Figures In A Night Sky, a three-movement piece for symphonic band received it's premiere by the symphonic band at Baylor University. The piece has received performances by several other university ensembles as well.

Hoffman has also composed music for stage plays, (both musicals and background music for dramas and comedies), theater openings, weddings, modern dance, television and radio, and political campaigns.

Recent works include Cinema Suite, a series of movements for orchestra inspired by the film music of the 1920s - 1950s. The individual movements can also be performed separately. He has just completed a nw work for opera singer, Teresa Moore.

His recordings include the newly released, Long Way Home, a collection of new piano solos. The music is a blend of light jazz and Marc's unique style of composition and performance. Dream of God (2003) is a collection of original contemporary Christian songs. Arrangements on the CD consists of full orchestra with piano and some guitar, percussion, additional keyboards and hammered dulcimer. In addition, the CD includes new arrangements of several Christian "standards." Virillion, released in 1993 is a collection of electronic music featuring island rhythms and minimilistic techniques.

Also a noted lecturer, Marc's "Music Is..." is a fast-paced one hour talk/presentation comparing classical music form to the form of a three minute "pop" song. His presentation "On Film Music" is a brief history of film music and the mechanics of the art form.

2005 will see the release of two additional CDs including a collection of film cues, orchestral pieces, and chamber works, and a long-awaited CD of new standards and ballads including two new songs from the performer!

Also a performer, Hoffman does over 75 appearances a year including concerts, festivals, private engagements and church services. As a pianist and vocalist his repertoire is varied with both original compositions and standard repertoire.