Hofman’s Music marching to its own beat since the late-’50s

Clarence Richardel
April 9, 2007
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April 9, 2007
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For nearly 50 years, one name has been synonymous with just about any form of music in Thibodaux.


That name is Hofman.

And since 1958, when Hofman Music first opened its doors—then known as Marhof—the Hofmans have not only been selling the art of music, but teaching it, too. “We not only sell instruments,” said co-owner Ted Hofman, “but we promote music. We’re not only interested in selling, but we do a lot for the community.”


The Thibodaux-based institution opened its doors after the owner of Wilson’s Music House passed away in the late-1950s. C. Lindy Hofman, Ted’s older brother and a former band director, had purchased stock in Wilson’s Music House, and started a partnership with Bill Martin.


Originally, the store was called Marhof, but in 1961, after moving to its current location at 630 Jackson St., the name changed to the now familiar Hofman Music.

And so it started.


Today C. Lindy, Ted and Scott Hofman run the store. C. Lindy and Ted are brothers, while Scott is Ted’s son.


Together, the three Hofman’s run a store that offers a wide variety of products, including, band instruments, guitars, amplifiers, public address systems, combo drums, combo keyboards, pianos, organs and accessories for each item.

Brands offered by Hofman’s include Fender, Peavy, Gretch, Yamaha and more.


“We are considered a full-line music store,” said Ted Hofman. “We also have many different types of music lessons. We’ve had people come all the way from Grand Isle, to take lessons here.”

Hofman said a group of private teachers help with the lessons, assisting customers in learning the ins and outs of instruments they may have just purchased. “It’s open to anybody,” he said. “We even have what is known as a Rock ‘n Roll Academy. We train little bands, as a group.”

The Rock ‘n Roll bands are instructed on keyboard, drums, bass guitar and guitar—a way to set up the rock-band atmosphere.

Hofman said the lessons might be the store’s most popular service. “It’s a very popular service,” he explained. “We have close to 300 people that come through here every week.”

While the Rock ‘n Roll lessons are fairly new—just over a year-and-a-half old—the other lessons have been going on since 1961.

And standing the test of time, means adapting with the changing interest of customers. “It started out just as a little one-room building,” recalled Hofman. “and expanded over the years. Of course, you have to change with the times. At one time we sold a lot of stereo equipment, but that has gone by the wayside. But you have to flow with the tide, and sell your strengths.”

The company’s biggest strength?

Customer service. Hofman said parents can bring their children to the store, where Hofman’s will figure out what instrument best suits a child. “We’ll give them an aptitude test,” said Hofman. “Then physically test them, to tell parents which (instruments) they’re best suited to.”

So what is it that distinguishes Hofman Music from other stores? “We have all the major brands,” said Ted. “A lot of music stores just have clerks. We have knowledgeable sales people who can really assist. People who played professionally and know the products.”

Hofman’s Music marching to its own beat since the late-’50s