Prior to joining the faculty at Michigan in the Fall of 2010, Hopkins was an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Vermont from 1999-2010 where he was conductor of the UVM Orchestra and taught courses in music education and music technology. He has appeared as a guest conductor at orchestra festivals throughout the United States and is the founding director of the Burlington Chamber Orchestra. Hopkins is very active as a composer and arranger, with over 30 published works for orchestra. His music is published by Alfred Music Publishing, Grand Mesa Music , Tunbridge Music, and Kendor Music Publishing, Inc. His works have been commissioned by many schools and ensembles throughout the U.S. He has performed as a double bassist with professional orchestras in Vermont, New Hampshire, Michigan, Colorado and Wyoming.