I am sometimes asked whether it is better to start learning piano via group lessons or private lessons. Regardless of age, whether you're a beginning, intermediate, or advanced student, private lessons with a supportive and motivating instructor are the best way to develop your skills.
A private lesson is dedicated to the student and the student only, which is important as every person is unique. A private instructor can spend time working on the specific skills each student needs to improve (for example, some students learn how to read music extremely quickly but have trouble building dexterity in their fingers... while others can naturally shape and form chords, yet struggle with recognizing and implementing musical details). Long story short, here are five reasons why private lessons are the ideal way to learn an instrument:
1. Private Lessons Move at Your Own Pace
Every child (and adult!) learns at a different pace. It is rare for a group class to move at a student's natural pace, as the class will typically be presented too fast or too slow. For a student that learns quickly, a group class will become boring. For a student that learns a bit slower, they can be introduced to too many topics without fully learning the fundamentals, and the pressure of a group class can becoming daunting. Private lessons are customized specifically for the student, and will ultimately be in alignment with the learning style and pace of the student for optimum progression.
2. Private Lessons Minimize Frustration
Like any new topic, music can be challenging. With proper guidance and individualized attention, however, the occasional challenge can become a source of accomplishment instead of a source of frustration. Every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy and not be frustrated with making music.
3. Private Lessons Set the Student Up for Success
With a private instructor, the student will learn more quickly the fundamentals of playing. A solid foundation will be built, and the student will continue learning, playing, and succeeding. Because succeeding is fun, the budding musician will build confidence, and therefore will not give up.
4. Private Lessons Assist with Practicing
New musicians, especially young musicians, need to learn HOW to practice. In a one on one setting, it is very common for the private instructor to spend time with the student to discuss and work on practice skills in an effort to assist with playing during the week. A student spends more time each week alone practicing than he/she does with a teacher, so that time needs to be well spent. By preparing the student each week with the proper practice skills, the private instructor can help the student get the most out of practice time alone. With this one on one guidance, the student will be less likely to dread practice time, because he/she will have control over it and confidently expect results.
5. Private Lessons Increase Motivation
It is easier to stay motivated with the help of a private instructor. This benefit is most applicable to students who have moved past the beginner stage of playing. At this point, a music student may not know what to do next. A private instructor is knowledgeable about different music literature and styles, as well as other fun and challenging events (including competitions, festivals, showcases, and testing programs) that the student can participate in. Sometimes all a student needs in order to remain engaged is someone to report to on a regular basis. It is always easier to work for something when you know someone is counting on you and that you're accountable to someone (in this case, your teacher!).
Most importantly, a private instructor can maximize a young musician's opportunity for musical success and fun. In my studio, for example, I create customized lessons for each of my students, personalized depending on each individual's needs, goals, and learning style. For all beginners and intermediate players, I can take the time to explain fundamentals and new concepts, reinforcing their skills. For advanced students, I can take them way beyond the notes into true artistry and musicality. And for any students lacking inspiration, I can create a lesson with music they want to play to make it fun. I love lighting the way for new students, seeing advanced students blossom into true musicians, and inspiring those that just need to be inspired.
Private lessons are for anyone, not just music-career bound musicians!
A private lesson is dedicated to the student and the student only, which is important as every person is unique. A private instructor can spend time working on the specific skills each student needs to improve (for example, some students learn how to read music extremely quickly but have trouble building dexterity in their fingers... while others can naturally shape and form chords, yet struggle with recognizing and implementing musical details). Long story short, here are five reasons why private lessons are the ideal way to learn an instrument:
1. Private Lessons Move at Your Own Pace
Every child (and adult!) learns at a different pace. It is rare for a group class to move at a student's natural pace, as the class will typically be presented too fast or too slow. For a student that learns quickly, a group class will become boring. For a student that learns a bit slower, they can be introduced to too many topics without fully learning the fundamentals, and the pressure of a group class can becoming daunting. Private lessons are customized specifically for the student, and will ultimately be in alignment with the learning style and pace of the student for optimum progression.
2. Private Lessons Minimize Frustration
Like any new topic, music can be challenging. With proper guidance and individualized attention, however, the occasional challenge can become a source of accomplishment instead of a source of frustration. Every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy and not be frustrated with making music.
3. Private Lessons Set the Student Up for Success
With a private instructor, the student will learn more quickly the fundamentals of playing. A solid foundation will be built, and the student will continue learning, playing, and succeeding. Because succeeding is fun, the budding musician will build confidence, and therefore will not give up.
4. Private Lessons Assist with Practicing
New musicians, especially young musicians, need to learn HOW to practice. In a one on one setting, it is very common for the private instructor to spend time with the student to discuss and work on practice skills in an effort to assist with playing during the week. A student spends more time each week alone practicing than he/she does with a teacher, so that time needs to be well spent. By preparing the student each week with the proper practice skills, the private instructor can help the student get the most out of practice time alone. With this one on one guidance, the student will be less likely to dread practice time, because he/she will have control over it and confidently expect results.
5. Private Lessons Increase Motivation
It is easier to stay motivated with the help of a private instructor. This benefit is most applicable to students who have moved past the beginner stage of playing. At this point, a music student may not know what to do next. A private instructor is knowledgeable about different music literature and styles, as well as other fun and challenging events (including competitions, festivals, showcases, and testing programs) that the student can participate in. Sometimes all a student needs in order to remain engaged is someone to report to on a regular basis. It is always easier to work for something when you know someone is counting on you and that you're accountable to someone (in this case, your teacher!).
Most importantly, a private instructor can maximize a young musician's opportunity for musical success and fun. In my studio, for example, I create customized lessons for each of my students, personalized depending on each individual's needs, goals, and learning style. For all beginners and intermediate players, I can take the time to explain fundamentals and new concepts, reinforcing their skills. For advanced students, I can take them way beyond the notes into true artistry and musicality. And for any students lacking inspiration, I can create a lesson with music they want to play to make it fun. I love lighting the way for new students, seeing advanced students blossom into true musicians, and inspiring those that just need to be inspired.
Private lessons are for anyone, not just music-career bound musicians!