Friday, January 9, 2009

Group or Private Lessons for Young Children

By Georgia Reader

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.

Students should keep taking the lessons if they are learning and liking the instrument. It does not matter if it is a group or private setting, as long as the teacher works well with children and is adept at helping them learn a musical piece then all is well. Teachers that offer stickers give some students some motivation to get the piece practiced after class is over.

Sometimes group classes that have other children can get some young students to lose their attention span and lose focus on the class. Teachers that do not have the skills to lively children will have a difficult time in controlling the class, so not much learning may be accomplished in the class. In a private lesson situation, if the parents attends at least part of the lesson they can see how their child is doing.

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. - 15359

About the Author: