5 TIPS FOR A REWARDING GROUP LESSON EXPERIENCE
The Music Academy offers group lessons for all ages, abilities, and instruments (yes, we have group lessons for adults, too!). Group lessons are essential in the development of becoming a well-rounded musician and person. Did you know that more than 50% of our students participate in group lessons in addition to private lessons? Our students who participate in both often stick with music longer, love it more, and get more of the social and cognitive developments that come with a high-quality music education. We have some tips to make group lessons more rewarding, whether you already participate or if you’re thinking of adding them to your musical education:
1.) Don’t Compare Yourself or Your Child to Others.
Everyone develops at their own pace. If you and your child stick with it, they will gain the skills needed to express themselves musically. One thing to keep in mind: nobody else in the world plays like your child; they - and their musicality - are unique and that’s a wonderful gift to bring to group lessons!
2.) Keep an Open Mind.
Your group class teacher is most likely not your private teacher and may have a different teaching style. That is by design. It takes a village to raise a musician and we benefit from the richness of many voices. All of our faculty are experts in their field and have a great deal to offer. Trust the process.
3.) Group Lessons are about Musical “Soft Skills.”
Group lessons are about much more than tangible progress. Private lessons give you the skills to move forward in a somewhat linear fashion (sequentially in the books at least) but group lessons are about sparking joy, playing with friends, trying new ideas, being creative, and developing all of the other “soft skills” that bring success to someone’s life long after music lessons have ended. These skills seem less tangible and not as immediately noticeable. Again, trust the process.
5.) Parents: Stay Involved.
When I take my child to swimming lessons I notice that most of the other parents let the teacher take over and use it as a moment to look at their phones or relax. I’m not in the pool with them; how much can I do by remaining attentive? It’s important to know what your child is doing in group lessons so that you can better help them at home. It’s also important to take note of how your child reacts to various activities so that you and their private teacher can adjust teaching styles to better serve them. Finally - and I can’t stress this enough - if you are engaged, they will enjoy it too.
4.) Make time for Group Lesson Practice at Home.
Practice what you do in group lessons. Your group lesson teacher may work on different objectives than your private lesson teacher; they may do very silly activities with you – there is a purpose behind all that we do and it’s ok to bring even the silly home to your personal practice.
