He was initially a classically trained violinist, and at age 14 he began playing the violin professionally in New York City, Sam Hoffman aka the stage name Hal Hope led several nightclub and society bands. By 1936, he had taken up the Theremin and begun featuring it in publicity for his engagements. He quickly gained notoriety using the electronic instrument and he became one of the world's most famous Theremin players. He is best known for contributions of early electronic instrument sounds that were incorporated in several Hollywood movie soundtracks such as Spellbound by Rosza and The Day the Earth Stood Still by Herrmann.

Born 1903, Manhattan, New York, USA. Died 1967, Los Angeles, USA.