What is a group lesson?
Group lessons provide an opportunity for students to play in front of other fellow students in a familiar and safe environment. Becoming comfortable with playing in front of others is an essential aspect of learning to play any instrument. The more you do the better you get.
What happens during the lesson?
In our group lesson, each student performs at least two pieces. Once each person has performed their first piece, we divide into teams to play a music themed board game. This adds a lot of fun and on the spot learning before finishing the session with a second piece performed by each student. Drinks (Orange squash or water), chocolate fingers, jellies and crisps are served throughout.
What’s good about Group Lessons?
I have been running Group Lessons for around 4 years. The benefits have been much more than originally expected.
- Group lessons act as a stepping stone to performance in a more public setting allowing students to build confidence in their ability as a performer.
- Students take more ownership of their learning, encouraged by the thought of playing in front of their peers.
- Students are more motivated to finish their pieces to a higher standard.
- Six year olds connect with and play in front of sixteen year olds and vice versa. Each age group has something to teach the other.
- Group lessons provide a focus and a deadline to each student in their musical journey.
- Group performance allows each person to identify their own strengths and weaknesses. This enhanced self-awareness sharpens their overall approach to learning and performing on the piano.
- There is a lovely social aspect to the session creating an opportunity to connect with friends who share a common interest.
Take Away
Many students come away from Group Lessons feeling inspired to progress onto bigger and better. Whether it’s having heard a new piece that has captured their imagination or engaging in that important life skill of feeling the fear and doing it anyway, there is no doubt that this kind of group activity increases motivation and gives that extra boost required in getting piano playing to the next level for each student.