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We Love Group Lessons

Writer's picture: Let's Play MusicLet's Play Music

Updated: Feb 3


Why Group Lessons?

Considering Let's Play Music? Not sure whether to enroll in our group lessons or opt for private ones? Or perhaps you're already enjoying Let's Play Music and want to compare your child's group experience with friends in private lessons. In this post, I'll share why we endorse group lessons and dispel common myths about group versus private instruction!


Serious Business, Right?

When my eldest son was four, he enjoyed Let's Play Music classes for two years until we relocated unexpectedly. Without access to LPM teachers, I tried to continue his education at home. Despite my efforts with family participation and new activities, the lively charm of LPM was missing, and my son's enthusiasm dwindled. Learning through play is central to LPM, and without a group, we struggled to recreate that playful atmosphere.


Realizing this, I became a certified LPM teacher myself, and once my son rejoined group classes, the joy returned in full force. It was a much better fit!



Laugh, Dance, and Learn Music!

One common observation from parents is the prevalence of private lessons among piano teachers, despite many group options for toddlers and preschoolers. Is there a bias against group classes, associating them with being too simplistic?


It seems tradition plays a role here. We're accustomed to group play in early childhood, but once children turn five and show interest in serious performance, the expectation shifts towards private lessons—less fun, more focus, and supposedly more learning. Let's challenge that assumption: serious doesn't always mean more effective when it comes to learning!


Work Now, Joy Later?

Many children are initially drawn to playing an instrument, yet dropout rates after brief lessons suggest they're more interested in playing than in learning the instrument itself.


If you are someone who may have tried and stopped music lessons, you understand that developing the skills and knowledge to play competently is a gradual and challenging process. If we tell a child, "You'll have to work hard for five or six years, and you might not enjoy much of it, but eventually it will become fun," they're unlikely to stick around to find out.


It's crucial that a child's first music experience combines work and joy from the outset. In Let's Play Music classes, we emphasize immediate success through innovative approaches like note-reading and building chording. Even with just one chord, students can play exciting, rich-sounding songs!


Group settings further enhance this sense of accomplishment, with students feeling successful in numerous "performances" during each class—whether through musical games or piano drills. These micro-performances are deeply meaningful and motivating, fostering attitudes of musical success: "I practice to improve. I find joy in creating music. I contribute as a musician. I am an integral part of my musical community."



When students graduate with these attitudes, they're well-equipped for lifelong musical pursuits. Group music lessons play a vital role in cultivating a lasting enjoyment and fulfillment in making music.


This is All Very Different 

Well maybe the old masters always taught private lessons because they thought it was the best way, right? 


No. Several notable experts chose group piano lessons, Franz Liszt being one of those esteemed teachers. So, it can be done. Most of us have never experienced it, though, so we wouldn't be sure how to start teaching that way. Conceiving a way to set up a home studio with several pianos or keyboards is also daunting if you haven't seen it done before!


In the same vein, since 95% of piano teachers only teach private lessons, chances are that if you know a famous and successful pianist, he or she is probably a product of private lessons. 


Does that mean private lessons are uniformly the best?


No. It means they are available. Don't forget that of all private students taught, 90% fail to actually learn to play piano and maintain the skill. (Many of my LPM parents tell me that they are part of the illustrious 90% that gave it a try as a kid but never got it.)

Piano pedagogue, Dr. Robert Pace, explained that when he began teaching piano at Julliard, he taught only private lessons. Why? Simply because he had only ever taken private lessons. 


How could he imagine teaching groups when he had never seen it? 


When his students' parents had a carpooling conflict and strong-armed Dr. Pace into teaching two and more students, he quickly realized several benefits of the group format. After years devoting research to piano groups, he concluded:

"In general, higher levels of music accomplishment and understanding are being achieved today through group teaching than in the individual lesson, regardless of the level of advancement. Group instruction is proving to be a more effective and efficient  use of both students' and teacher's time."

We know that when you graduate from LPM, you'll either play another instrument, transition to a private piano teacher, or (if you are the rare 10%), find a teacher who offers a mixture of group and private lessons!


A fantastic teacher can't be defined just by the type of lessons she teaches; one who experiments with group activities demonstrates that she is open to new ideas and keeping abreast of current topics in piano teaching. Her studio might well be worth a visit.


Private Lesson Myths

You might wonder, "If so many teachers offer only private lessons, are they better?"

Let's debunk some myths, similar to what Dr. Pace did:


MYTH: Each student learns at their own pace, making it impossible to keep a group together.

REALITY: In group settings like Let's Play Music, diverse skills among students enhances learning. 


Whether it's sight-reading, pitch ear, composition, or chord progressions, each child's strengths benefit the group. The teacher uses peers as models, fostering success emulation.


MYTH: Students need individual attention, which only private lessons can provide.

REALITY: In group lessons, every student receives attention from both teacher and peers. 


Encouraging independent problem-solving and active engagement builds confidence and skills more effectively than constant spoon-feeding.


MYTH: Group lessons aren't suitable for talented students; they need private instruction.

REALITY: Musical talent can be nurtured in group settings like LPM. 


Students develop a comprehensive skill set, preparing them for lifelong musical exploration and collaboration.


MYTH: Group lessons don't suit my child's personality.

REALITY: While some shy or competitive students may initially struggle, quality group programs like LPM emphasize cooperation over competition. 


Overcoming shyness and building confidence through group activities is achievable and beneficial.


Consider integrating group activities into private lessons or exploring quality group programs like LPM. They offer diverse learning experiences and foster a lifelong love for music. Find a LPM teacher near you today!





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