Why choose group piano lessons?

Over the past 5 years or so, I have experimented with different formats for teaching group piano lessons and have landed on something that works really well.

After taking a course from another piano teacher who has had high success and excellent student progress using this format in her studio, I decided to revamp my whole group piano program. This is what is happening…

1. Students have started becoming more independent learners. They come to class and know what they are supposed to do. Once they choose their keyboard for the day, they sit down, open up their books, put on the headphones, and start playing.

2. Students are making progress every week when they come to class – even if they haven’t practiced at home in between classes! Getting to practice during class allows students to really reinforce what they are learning in real-time. Plus, they motivate each other to keep moving forward.

3. Seeing each others’ accomplishments is highly motivating. Students are excited to come to class and pass off songs, not only because they earn rewards each time they finish a unit in their book, but also because seeing their peers pass off songs ignites a fire in them.

4. Having students dig into their assignments right away and breaking things up with a game or activity about 20 minutes in allows them to make the most of their initial focus.

5. My older, more advanced students are enjoying getting to be paid helpers. They do an excellent job circulating the room with me, addressing questions, sitting down with students to help them, and listening to songs for pass-off. They already know the basics and have the skills to help show beginners the ropes, all while building their own confidence and reinforcing their skills through teaching. I always choose helpers that are able to be positive and encouraging to the students in class.

6. Everyone loves game/activity time! (I know, big surprise.) I do games and activities in private lessons too, but it is so much fun for the kids when they are participating with their peers.

7. Families are appreciating the simple scheduling that this format affords. I have group piano classes almost every weekday. For families with multiple students, it is a huge advantage to get to choose one time slot for everyone to participate in each week. This can make the logistics so much easier.

   
   

8. I am having so much fun teaching these classes and seeing all my students make progress each week! Don’t get me wrong, I love teaching private lessons. But I am also finding that there is a special kind of energy to a group class. It is also a boon to be able to make learning piano more affordable for families and to be able to serve so many more students, while also giving myself back some of my time.

I hope this blog post has given you some insight to help you make a decision on which kind of piano lessons are the right fit for your family. If you are interested in trying out group piano classes, click the button below to get started!

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