K. 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. Marc's film composition has its roots in the classics of Hollywood while his popular music styles range from contemporary Christian to New Age to jazz.

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.

Film work for 2006 included the score for "The Mill" for producer Ralph Singleton and director Grainger Hines. The film was written by Harry Welch, Jr. Marc was also music director for the film and placed songs from 13 artists from the US and the UK.

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 impressions 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.

In addition to concert works Hoffman has also composed for stage plays, (both musicals and background music for dramas and comedies), modern dance, television and radio, political campaigns, and special events. He also was Music Historian for the 1985 film, "Revolution".

Recent works include Psalm 47 for soprano and piano and 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.

Hoffman's recordings include the newly released vocal CD, Christmas Time featuring two new songs by the composer along with ten new arrangements of traditional and gospel Christmas songs. Other recordings include Long Way Home (2003), 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. Marc is a featured performer and speaker at seminars and conventions throughout the US.

2007 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 standards and ballads including two new songs by the composer. Marc's first book and companion DVD, Essential Worship Keyboard will be released by Emerald Books in the spring.

Also a performer, Hoffman appears over 100 times 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.
Virillion Music