Faculty

Jakob Hofer

Assistant Professor of Music; Orchestra Director

Professor Jacob Hofer

“The process of music-making is one of the most thrilling, fulfilling, and joyful experiences a person can have. I love helping my students find their own connection to music, and share that connection with those around them. Music is a reflection of human experience. By better understanding the language of music, we can understand and empathize with the experiences of people from all different times and walks of life. There is such an incredible energy in teaching, learning, preparing, and performing great music. And the best part is, everyone can play a part in this musical experience!”

Education

  • D.M.A., Instrumental Performance in Violin with secondary emphasis in Orchestral Conducting, University of Utah
  • M.M., Violin Performance and Pedagogy, Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University
  • B.M., Violin Performance, Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University

Courses

  • Music Major: SVU Orchestra, Musicianship II, Orchestral Literature, Conducting, Applied Lessons in Violin, Applied Lessons in Conducting

Teaching Positions & Professional Experience

  • Joined Southern Virginia University’s faculty in 2020
  • Substitute violinist, Utah Symphony, 2017–20
  • Substitute violinist, Ballet West Orchestra, 2016–20
  • Violinist, Sinfonia Salt Lake, 2016–20
  • Adjunct faculty, Utah Valley University, 2014–20
  • Faculty, Gifted Music School, 2011–20
  • Founding member, Rosco String Quartet, 2011–20
  • Concertmaster, Loudoun Symphony, 2010–11
  • Violinist, York Symphony, 2009–11
  • Assistant Concertmaster, Loudoun Symphony, 2008–10

Scholarships & Creative Work

  • Board member and Vice President, Salt Lake Chamber Music Society, 2018–20
  • Performed the concerto with the Utah Philharmonia, 2016
  • Performed in many recording studios in Salt Lake City, creating soundtracks for albums, shows, movies, apps, games, productions, and videos, 2011–20
  • Studied and performed authentic baroque performance practice with the Baltimore Baroque Band and other baroque ensembles in Baltimore, 2005–09
  • Researched Ernest Bloch’s Violin Concerto, 1938, and wrote a DMA document with a history, analysis, and performance guide.
  • Performed and premiered many original musical compositions as a member of the Rosco String Quartet through their Call For Scores program, the Salty Cricket Composer’s Collective, the Deer Valley Music Festival’s Emerging Quartets and Composers program, and many other collaborations with composers across the country.
  • Performance venues across the world include Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and the Mendelssohn Haus in Germany.

Awards, Leadership & Service

  • A.R.T.S. Grant recipient (for elementary outreach programs) with the Rosco String Quartet, 2019–20
  • The American Prize, Professional Chamber Music Ensembles: Finalist, with Rosco String Quartet, 2015, 2019
  • MTNA National Chamber Music Competition: First Place, with Rosco String Quartet, 2014
  • University of Utah Chamber Music Competition: Grand Prize, with Rosco String Quartet, 2014
  • Offered several pre-concert lectures for Salt Lake Chamber Music Society
  • Full-time mission in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Memberships

  • College Orchestra Directors Association
  • Suzuki Association of the Americas
  • National Federation of Music Clubs