Which is Better: Group or Private?
Which lesson format is best suited to your child? Would they be better off in private lessons, where they can benefit from an
individualized instructional plan and undivided one-on-one attention, or would they do better in a group of like-minded students? Not
surprisingly, the answer to this question varies a great deal depending on both the temperament and learning style of students, and the
teaching styles of instructors.
The single greatest advantage of group instruction is that it incorporates the peer incentive to learn into the lesson experience. Students
are more motivated to be prepared with their lesson material if they know there will be other students in the class who will also be
prepared; and after all, whether in group or private lessons, progress can only be made when students have practiced their assigned
pieces. While this positive-feedback cycle is one main purpose for group instruction, the opposite is also possible: one or two students
who are poorly prepared can actually negatively other students' preparation. Most children also enjoy the social aspect and the peer
interaction of group classes, and are more apt to take a liking to lessons than in the private lesson format. Group lessons also are
typically longer and allow for time to be devoted to theory, ear training and music games in a way that the shorter private lesson time
slot does not usually allow.
The biggest single disadvantage of group lessons is the high relative lack of personalized attention compared to a private lesson. In a
private lesson, every moment is tailored exactly to the needs of the student on hand. There are no distractions and no competing
interests. Everything from pacing to music selection to assignment load can be and is varied according to the interests of the individual
student. The more advanced a student becomes, the more important this sort of individualized attention becomes. Before you get sold
on the superiority of private lessons, remember that individual attention is important, but that long-term participation and preparation
matter more.
The average student, of average interest and average aptitude (and this describes most of us, after all!) is likely to experience more
success, and to stick with lessons longer, if he/she is in a group of 1) similarly aged, 2) interested and 3) able students, with a 4)
competent teacher. However, it can be extremely difficult to find both a teacher and class that meet all of these basic requirements.
Most parents find it to be a challenge to schedule in just one student's lessons; consider that for a group to be successful, 3-8 different
students of the same age (within about two years) and intellectual and social maturity must all find the same time to be acceptable. You
should expect your group teacher to have a music degree of some kind, preferably in piano, and you should be permitted to observe an
existing class if you wish to do so. Realize that because many teachers are paid by the student and not by the hour, the teacher may
have a strong financial incentive to put a group together and to keep a group together.
Students with above average musical aptitude are more likely to do better in private lessons. Students with significantly longer attention
spans than average for their age will probably do better in private lessons. Students who are particularly shy will usually do better with
one-on-one instruction. The more intellectually curious and academically advanced a student is in other aspects of their life, the more
likely they are to succeed in private lessons. Students with a well-disciplined home-life with regard to things such as homework,
chores, etc., are more likely to willingly practice absent the peer incentive of group lessons.
Many teachers and studios offer combination private-group lesson formats. These most often take the form of regular private lessons
with occasional group classes, usually devoted to theory and appreciation. A less common but more desirable arrangement is to have
three private lessons and one extended (2 hours or so) group lesson per month. Also less common, but highly recommended, is an
introductory group class lasting between one and four semesters, followed by a carefully planned transition into private lessons.
(Beware of an introductory class that simply ends after one year, dumping all the students into private lessons; for the youngest
students, ages 3 to 5, this is fine, but for older students this may do more harm than good.) If you are lucky enough to find a teacher
offering one of these programs, you just might be able to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Consider your child's interests: are team sports their most favorite thing in the world? Do they have tons of friends? Do they work well
with others? Do they have an exceptionally tight extracurricular schedule that might make it hard to find daily practice time? If so,
group lessons are probably your first choice.
Do they dislike team sports? Would they rather stay at home and read? Are they exceptional students in school? Have they been
playing around on the piano and asking for lessons every day for the last two years? If so, private lessons are probably your first
choice.
Age considerations: These recommendations assume a student of “average” age; the average age for beginning piano lessons is about 7
or 8 years old. The younger the student, the stronger the bias should be in favor of group lessons. Hardly any 3 or 4 year olds should
be put in private lessons. Many 5 year olds can handle either format, though a group is still probably preferable if one can be found.
Now that you’ve taken in all this background information, take a step back and remember that the most important thing, by far,
determining the success of your child in lessons is the development of a consistent practice routine at home. The second most
important thing is the experience, skills, and temperament of your teacher. If you know from the start that your child will not practice
much, it will matter little whether they end up in group or private lessons: they won't learn a whole lot in either format. Similarly, it is
unwise to compromise on your teacher's skills just to get a student into a group class. Although group lessons may be preferable for
some students, and private lessons preferable for others, keep in mind that most kids will do fine in either format. First decide whether
you have the time and energy to devote to your child's at-home preparation, then look for several good teachers to interview. Consider
both group and private lesson options as either may be suitable for your child
individualized instructional plan and undivided one-on-one attention, or would they do better in a group of like-minded students? Not
surprisingly, the answer to this question varies a great deal depending on both the temperament and learning style of students, and the
teaching styles of instructors.
The single greatest advantage of group instruction is that it incorporates the peer incentive to learn into the lesson experience. Students
are more motivated to be prepared with their lesson material if they know there will be other students in the class who will also be
prepared; and after all, whether in group or private lessons, progress can only be made when students have practiced their assigned
pieces. While this positive-feedback cycle is one main purpose for group instruction, the opposite is also possible: one or two students
who are poorly prepared can actually negatively other students' preparation. Most children also enjoy the social aspect and the peer
interaction of group classes, and are more apt to take a liking to lessons than in the private lesson format. Group lessons also are
typically longer and allow for time to be devoted to theory, ear training and music games in a way that the shorter private lesson time
slot does not usually allow.
The biggest single disadvantage of group lessons is the high relative lack of personalized attention compared to a private lesson. In a
private lesson, every moment is tailored exactly to the needs of the student on hand. There are no distractions and no competing
interests. Everything from pacing to music selection to assignment load can be and is varied according to the interests of the individual
student. The more advanced a student becomes, the more important this sort of individualized attention becomes. Before you get sold
on the superiority of private lessons, remember that individual attention is important, but that long-term participation and preparation
matter more.
The average student, of average interest and average aptitude (and this describes most of us, after all!) is likely to experience more
success, and to stick with lessons longer, if he/she is in a group of 1) similarly aged, 2) interested and 3) able students, with a 4)
competent teacher. However, it can be extremely difficult to find both a teacher and class that meet all of these basic requirements.
Most parents find it to be a challenge to schedule in just one student's lessons; consider that for a group to be successful, 3-8 different
students of the same age (within about two years) and intellectual and social maturity must all find the same time to be acceptable. You
should expect your group teacher to have a music degree of some kind, preferably in piano, and you should be permitted to observe an
existing class if you wish to do so. Realize that because many teachers are paid by the student and not by the hour, the teacher may
have a strong financial incentive to put a group together and to keep a group together.
Students with above average musical aptitude are more likely to do better in private lessons. Students with significantly longer attention
spans than average for their age will probably do better in private lessons. Students who are particularly shy will usually do better with
one-on-one instruction. The more intellectually curious and academically advanced a student is in other aspects of their life, the more
likely they are to succeed in private lessons. Students with a well-disciplined home-life with regard to things such as homework,
chores, etc., are more likely to willingly practice absent the peer incentive of group lessons.
Many teachers and studios offer combination private-group lesson formats. These most often take the form of regular private lessons
with occasional group classes, usually devoted to theory and appreciation. A less common but more desirable arrangement is to have
three private lessons and one extended (2 hours or so) group lesson per month. Also less common, but highly recommended, is an
introductory group class lasting between one and four semesters, followed by a carefully planned transition into private lessons.
(Beware of an introductory class that simply ends after one year, dumping all the students into private lessons; for the youngest
students, ages 3 to 5, this is fine, but for older students this may do more harm than good.) If you are lucky enough to find a teacher
offering one of these programs, you just might be able to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Consider your child's interests: are team sports their most favorite thing in the world? Do they have tons of friends? Do they work well
with others? Do they have an exceptionally tight extracurricular schedule that might make it hard to find daily practice time? If so,
group lessons are probably your first choice.
Do they dislike team sports? Would they rather stay at home and read? Are they exceptional students in school? Have they been
playing around on the piano and asking for lessons every day for the last two years? If so, private lessons are probably your first
choice.
Age considerations: These recommendations assume a student of “average” age; the average age for beginning piano lessons is about 7
or 8 years old. The younger the student, the stronger the bias should be in favor of group lessons. Hardly any 3 or 4 year olds should
be put in private lessons. Many 5 year olds can handle either format, though a group is still probably preferable if one can be found.
Now that you’ve taken in all this background information, take a step back and remember that the most important thing, by far,
determining the success of your child in lessons is the development of a consistent practice routine at home. The second most
important thing is the experience, skills, and temperament of your teacher. If you know from the start that your child will not practice
much, it will matter little whether they end up in group or private lessons: they won't learn a whole lot in either format. Similarly, it is
unwise to compromise on your teacher's skills just to get a student into a group class. Although group lessons may be preferable for
some students, and private lessons preferable for others, keep in mind that most kids will do fine in either format. First decide whether
you have the time and energy to devote to your child's at-home preparation, then look for several good teachers to interview. Consider
both group and private lesson options as either may be suitable for your child
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Piano Studio of Andrew Horowitz
Copyright 2004 by Andrew Horowitz