Group Piano FAQ

 

Who are group piano classes for?

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Children ages 7 and up can participate in our regular group classes. We provide group classes for younger children as well – that information can be found HERE.

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Are groups organized by age and/or level?​

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Our group piano classes are not organized into age groups or levels because all students, regardless of age and skill level, are able to progress individually in class!

 

This makes scheduling simple and has the added benefit of making it possible for siblings of differing ages to be in the same class.

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Do students all have to learn the same songs?

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No! Students get to use a book that is appropriate for their age and musical interests. They are then able to progress at their own pace and learn to play the kind of music they are interested in.

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Why do we start with a private introductory lesson?

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This initial lesson serves to go over foundational concepts that each beginner needs to know, like how to sit correctly at the piano, basic piano technique, the music alphabet, finger numbers, and rhythm.

 

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How do group piano classes work?​

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The structure of our group classes includes:

• A group warmup activity involving movement

• Individual practice time in headphones with the teacher (and a helper in larger classes) circulating around the room to help each student

• ​A group activity that is adaptable to different levels and places in each student’s growth

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Approximately 30 minutes of classes are used for individual progression with a break in the middle for group activities, typically for about 10 minutes.

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​​Once a month, our group activity time is used for performances, where students will play their favorite pieces for each other on the acoustic piano and hone their performance skills.

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What kind of activities do students do as a group?

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Some examples of our activities are:

• Music theory games or worksheets that allow each student to grow in a skill at their level

• Improvisation or composing

• Ensemble playing

• Rhythm challenges

• Technique challenges

• Ear training

• Sight singing

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Sometimes, we even split into pairs, where 2 students will sit at the same keyboard. We have headphone splitters for each keyboard so multiple sets of headphones can be plugged in.

 

Do students need to have their own headphones?

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The studio provides headphones to use in class. Students are welcome to bring their own headphones if they prefer.

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How do students know what to work on when they are in headphones?

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Each student has a method book or song book they are working through. A printed copy of practice steps is on the music stand of each keyboard. Students follow those steps to become proficient in playing the pieces they are learning – the goal isn’t perfection, but proficiency.

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We have an easy system for students to all have their questions addressed and help given during class. This will be explained in your introductory lesson.

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What are the practice requirements?

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There are no requirements for practice between classes, however, it is strongly recommended that parents help their child develop a daily practice habit to progress more quickly and fuel motivation. Just like with exercise, a little bit every day is better than one long session each week.

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Practice helps are provided in our practice app, Practice Space, which also includes some fun incentives for those who do practice at home in between classes.

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Do parents stay for classes?

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Parents are welcome to sit in on class or in the waiting area in the hall just outside the studio, but are not required to stay.

 

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What if we miss a class?

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Parents can log into the Student Portal to reschedule lessons, as long as it is 24 hours in advance. Students can reschedule into any group class with available spots. Same day cancellations are not eligible for makeups.