30
Apr
2025
May 2025 Student Spotlight: Byron Hoffberg
Our Student Spotlight for May is an excited and energetic adult drummer who has come a long way in a short time – Byron Hoffberg. Byron picked up the drums just 3 short years ago and his teacher Jason Cohen praises Byron’s “positive curious energy and his eagerness to learn and ask questions.”
According to Jason, Byron’s progress has been remarkable as he has gone from learning drum beats from a book to playing his favorite songs, and then performing with bands at Stages for his first live show. “Byron’s excitement when we discover new things together is infectious. He has fantastic taste in music, lighting up when we dive into songs by some of his favorite artists like Bloc Party, RHCP, Alice in Chains, Led Zeppelin, and the Rolling Stones. Watching him grow has been inspiring and I couldn’t be prouder of how far he’s come!”
Read on to learn more about this talented and eager drummer…
What is your instrument and how long have you been playing?
Currently, I’m learning the drums, and I have been playing them for 3+ years. I’ve played a little guitar for many years, but I always wanted to pursue the drums.
What kind of music do you like to listen to and play?
Everything except pop Country I enjoy and listen to at times. Overall, most of the time, I revert to the rock of 70s through 90s.
What’s your favorite thing about Stages or do you have a favorite Stages memory?
Providing the ability to pursue a goal, find a new hobby, and make new friends…as an adult. The facility is obviously shockingly amazing, but the community and opportunity it provides to expand experiences, for all ages, is special.
What are your musical goals?
Become more confident playing at my ability level and working to get a little better with time.
I deeply admire how Byron manages to balance his family life and running a business, yet still makes drum lessons a priority. Even on weeks when he doesn’t get a chance to practice, he reminds me of how therapeutic drumming can be, often mentioning how refreshed he feels after our sessions. It’s a great reminder of the positive impact learning an instrument can have on mental health.
What are your hobbies or interests besides music?
My family takes up most of my focus and interests, while being a small business owner essentially feels like a deep passion/hobby. Skiing and snowboarding are true escapes for me, and what I enjoy most for activities. Playing drums is the next closest thing!
What inspired you to start playing music?
I’ve always loved music and had the desire to feel fully comfortable playing an instrument (even at a basic level). I found myself driving my daughters to their activities, such as swim lessons, and I realized that I too could pursue and learn new things that I would enjoy, even as an adult – and that drove me to get started.
Who are the musicians that inspire you most?
I’m inspired by all musicians. The respect and appreciation for performing, but also the art of writing/recording and creating a final piece of work – is amazing to me.
Who is your teacher and what do you appreciate about them?
Jason Cohen. There is so much to say about Jason. His approach and demeanor took all initial nerves immediately away, and his teaching and guidance across all things has been impactful, and I feel the results. I consider Jason to be a close friend and look forward to seeing him each week. I appreciate how he has helped me grow as a person and pursue personal goals that I was not sure I’d have the chance to experience at this point. The experience has been more than I could have expected or hoped for, when joining Stages.
What do you love most about playing music?
It pushes me out of my comfort zone and is something that I can work to improve on and see results with putting in the work. It also provides a great release/break from any given day, and it has become a wonderful platform to meet new people and make new friends.
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Do you know a student who deserves to be recognized? Nominate them for our Stages Student Spotlight!