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.
Group lessons are basically designed for younger children ages 3 to 6 and likely includes other activities such as playing rhythm instruments, singing, movement, and some keyboard activity. Very young children like fun interactive activities because group keyboard lessons for the very young do not emphasize keyboard playing. Older children will get more time at the keyboard, but there are still other activities such as learning rhythm and singing during the lesson session.
Some children may discover that taking private lessons too stressful as it demands their constant attention and concentration. Not all teachers are understanding or accommodating for young children so some children may not look forward to the lessons and feel pressured to achieve. Younger children cannot always stay interested and listen to what the teacher is communicating and sometimes their hands are just too small to play piano pieces.
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.
Keep in mind that your child must want to be at the lessons. Don't force them to be there, as they will be much more productive if they look forward to the lessons. As a parent, decide what your intuition tells you: it's alright to wait until your child is older, like 7 or 8 years old to begin piano lessons. - 16036
Group lessons are basically designed for younger children ages 3 to 6 and likely includes other activities such as playing rhythm instruments, singing, movement, and some keyboard activity. Very young children like fun interactive activities because group keyboard lessons for the very young do not emphasize keyboard playing. Older children will get more time at the keyboard, but there are still other activities such as learning rhythm and singing during the lesson session.
Some children may discover that taking private lessons too stressful as it demands their constant attention and concentration. Not all teachers are understanding or accommodating for young children so some children may not look forward to the lessons and feel pressured to achieve. Younger children cannot always stay interested and listen to what the teacher is communicating and sometimes their hands are just too small to play piano pieces.
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.
Keep in mind that your child must want to be at the lessons. Don't force them to be there, as they will be much more productive if they look forward to the lessons. As a parent, decide what your intuition tells you: it's alright to wait until your child is older, like 7 or 8 years old to begin piano lessons. - 16036
About the Author:
Georgia Reader is an accomplished piano instructor. If you are looking for class or one-to-one music lessons, you can also have the choice to purchase an online piano course for your child. Parents learn from the course!
