Sean Hoffman first began playing fiddle at age 6. His parents both played music while he was growing up and on his mom’s side of the family was The List Brothers bluegrass band. It was here that he got his first inspiration for traditional music and the fiddle. Sean played in the school orchestra from 5th grade through high school and continued pursuing his own interests in traditional American music during that time. After high school, he moved to New York where he attended the Merchant Marine Academy in pursuit of his dream to travel and see the world. During this time he studied traditional Irish fiddle music with All-Ireland champion fiddle player Brian Conway. After college, he moved to San Francisco where he began playing with the Frank O’Connor band.

After returning to Indiana in 2002, he began exploring the South Bend Irish music scene and playing with singer/songwriter Megan King. Eventually, he met and began playing with Jay Lapp, Lukas Simpson and Derek Kratzer to form the band Goldmine Pickers. They have toured extensively in the United States and even toured as far afield as Ireland. 

While Sean plays extensively with the Pickers, he has also kept himself busy with side projects including his Irish band Soltre who has one self released recording out (released in 2005).

He has also recorded a duet album of original music in the Irish music style with Nolan Ladewski and joHn Kennedy of South Bend based band Kennedy’s Kitchen. This recording called “The Steps to Home” was financed by a grant from the Indiana Arts Commission in 2007.

Sean has been teaching fiddle and violin lessons since 2005 and acoustic guitar lessons since 2007. His teaching methods utilize both sight reading and ear training, an often neglected side of musical learning.

For more information about Sean’s various bands and recordings please see the following information.

Sean Solo: www.myspace.com/seanmichaelhoffman
Soltre: www.myspace.com/soltre
The Steps to Home: www.cdbaby.com/shanlwjk

Contact and Booking Info:
Sean Hoffman
Ph: 574 354 2390
Email: sean.m.hoffman@gmail.com