Aki Hoffmann - pianist, composer, improviser
Aki Hoffmann is a highly versatile and accomplished pianist-composer-improviser, celebrated for his seamless integration of classical, jazz, and pop influences. Originally from Germany, he received a rigorous classical education at the music academies of Würzburg and Leipzig, earning five music diplomas. Now based in Switzerland, Hoffmann has transcended his classical roots to become a universal pianist with a profound passion for improvisation. He stands out for his commitment to merging the structured world of classical music with the free spirit of improvisation. His performances, whether solo or in interdisciplinary collaborations are showcasing his creative versatility.
Hoffmann’s playing is characterized by its intuitive, unpredictable, and passionate nature, reflecting a deep and comprehensive musical insight that captivates audiences. His approach to music is about breaking barriers between genres and engaging with audiences in a way that's spontaneous and immediate. Sometimes he values the creative process over the final product, often crafting music in the moment during performances. His style is influenced by classical composers but also by jazz pianists like Keith Jarrett and Brad Mehldau, whom he admires for their improvisational prowess.
Hoffmann has worked on various projects that combine piano with unique instruments, like "Doppelholz" (piano and didgeridoo) and "unravelling" (piano and Zen flute), showcasing his interest in cross-cultural musical dialogue.
Hear the Now:
One of Hoffmann’s most ambitious and distinctive endeavors is his project
"Hear the Now," launched in 2024. In this year-long initiative, he committed to creating and recording 365 new piano pieces—one for each day of the year—live in the moment of inspiration. These works, mostly recorded in 432 Hz, span genres including classical, jazz, pop, Latin, and beyond, showcasing his improvisational prowess and stylistic range. The project invites listeners to witness the spontaneous act of musical creation, offering an intimate glimpse into Hoffmann’s process as he crafts each piece in real time. Available on platforms like YouTube and Spotify, "Hear the Now" not only highlights his technical skill and creativity but also embodies his philosophy of living and creating in the present, making it a unique contribution to the contemporary music landscape.
Aki Hoffmann's YouTube channel serves as a window into his creative process, offering both entertainment and a glimpse into the life of a musician who lives at the intersection of classical and jazz improvisation. His channel, though not among the largest, has a dedicated following of people interested in the art of piano improvisation, classical music, and crossover. You can find the pianist also on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify and Telegram.
As an educator, he teaches piano improvisation at the Bern University of the Arts (Switzerland) and has previously held professor positions at music academies in Würzburg, Weimar, Detmold, and Freiburg (all Germany). He shares his knowledge through workshops and masterclasses, focusing on improvisation, composition, and the intersection of different musical traditions.