Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Hoefer.
Hi Robert, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Robert Hoefer is the president and CEO of Pitch Doctors LLC, a voice studio in Greenville, SC. His 40+ years of experience began with Midnight Blue, a six-person funk band from South Carolina’s capital, Columbia, in the 1970s into the early 80s. The band’s first key members were bass player Robert Hoefer, keyboardist Myron Alford, and drummer Ronnie Amiker. Soon they added Eddie Jackson on lead vocals, and saxophone and Michael Wilson on guitar. In 1979, Hoefer’s cousin, Debra Bailey, joined the band as lead vocalist. The group recorded their first single, “Feel It and Groove Together,” backed with “Wishing,” in 1979 at Strawberry Jamm Studios in West Columbia, South Carolina. With the band, Hoefer was signed to Motown Records & Polygram Records as a recording artist, songwriter, and producer. Midnight Blue often opened for headliners passing through the southeast, including Betty Wright and Millie Jackson, People’s Choice, and The Bar-Kays. “We would practice into the wee hours (and then some) and come back the next morning and do it again,” Hoefer remembers. “We grumbled a little bit, but we were there.” Eventually, the band broke up, although surviving members kept in touch. Hoefer found his way into vocal coaching while still performing with bands in the Greenville area. As a vocal coach, Hoefer was a 2014 Grammy Award nominee for Educator of the Year. He has been coaching youth and adults to sing for over 30 years. Also a grilling enthusiast, Hoefer recently released a line of seasonings under the Carolina Bob’s brand name.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The music industry is fraught with twists and turns and disappointments. It’s difficult, demanding work, but at the same time, it is rewarding work. Doing something you love is worth the struggle.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us more about your business.
I am a vocal coach training children and adults one-on-one in vocal techniques and stage performance. We also devote time to set goals. My music industry knowledge gives me a leg up on the competition. In addition, knowing the value of stage experience, I allow my students to perform before an audience, both in recital programs I call “fun sings” and in an annual competition with 1st and 2nd place awards in each division. The Pitch Doctors studio is located near downtown Greenville and operates 6 days a week. You can call for an appointment to discuss your needs and get a free consultation at 864.325.8774.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
The connections I made in the past continue to encourage and motivate me. My advice is not to be a loner. Meet others, make connections, and make friends! You never know where they might lead!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pitchdoctorsllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PitchDoctors
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/UpstateSCVoiceStudio
Image Credits
Brenda Covert, Angie McAtee
