Group or Private Lessons for Young Children

Children have the choice of learning keyboard or piano as a group with several other peers or privately with a piano teacher. It’s often a difficult choice for parents to make, as some don’t know what method is the better choice for their child. Here’s a background on what to expect for group and private lessons for younger children.

Class sessions mostly highlight lively activities for students that are under the age of six that include playing with percussion toys, learning childrens’ songs, dancing and learning short pieces on the piano or keyboard. Some children that are older will be able to spend more class time on the piano, but they also get some skills in rhythm and learning new songs.

Younger children may find private lessons an ordeal to begin with, as they may not have been in a one-to-one teaching situation before. Also, some teachers can be perfectionists and demand lots of practice so they may be impatient if the student does not understand what they are supposed to do. Younger children cannot concentrate for a long period of time and they cannot stretch their hands far on the keys.

Most group lesson experiences and some private piano teachers ask that the parent sits in on the lessons. That way they can observe how their child is interacting and encounters with class activities or private lessons. Even though the parent may not have any musical background, they can get a good idea what is going on and if the lessons are productive for the child.

If the child seems to adjust to private lessons, then they should continue for awhile. It also depends on the approach and the personality of the private teacher. Is the instructor fairly patient and accommodating and offers stickers or little rewards if the child successfully passes a piece?

Group lessons can be hard to adjust by some young students because they may not like all the activity that goes on in the classroom. Private lessons provide a calmer atmosphere if the teacher is gentle and understanding with the younger student. Again, the parent should watch their child in the private lesson situation to see if they are learning and understand the musical concepts.

Does you child want the group lessons or private lessons? Did they ask to learn how to piano or join a group class? Let them observe the group classes or take a private lesson or two from a recommended teacher that accepts and enjoys working with very young students.

Is your child excited or happy about the classes or lessons? If not, do not make them go to a class or lessons if they do not wish to go. One of the worst things you can do for a child is to force them to take music lessons or classes when they have no interest.