If you have never tried group classes with your students, I highly recommend you consider it.  The majority of my students attend a weekly group class in addition to their weekly private lesson.  These students generally progress faster and have a much better retention rate than other students.  There are many benefits to having students attend group class on a regular basis.   It is more cost effective for a parent to pay a less expensive group class fee, than to use up private lesson time to cover music theory that can – and should – be learned in a group setting.  That being said, many teachers are hesitant to offer group classes and are not comfortable promoting them.   At my studio, when parents inquire about lessons, they are not given a choice as to whether or not they want to register for “extra” classes.  It is an all inclusive program, and tuition includes private lessons and group classes.

I offer 3 weekly group classes.  One is for the performance group, and the other 2 are non performance or pre performance kids.  I group them according to age rather than level, wherever possible.  I find the lower level kids can catch up quickly to their peers when put in a fun off the bench setting.

Group theory class takes place off the piano bench, using hands on games and activities.  These students are much more advanced in their music theory compared to their playing level.  This makes everything that happens on the bench easier – sight reading, note recognition, rhythm, terms, etc.

Aside from these obvious benefits, there is also the social aspect.  I remember taking my piano lessons, and never ever meeting another student, unless they had their lesson before mine or after mine, and once a year I saw other people perform in the recital.  I was determine to do things differently.   My students all know each other within the first few months of lessons.   This is important.  Learning to play the piano can be lonely.  Make it fun.   Make it engaging.  Make it social. Get some off the piano bench activities, and organize a group class.  Even if you just do a few this year to get started, get your “feet wet”, and make your studio stand out.

Here is a fun little game in time for Hallowe’en:

Do you offer group classes?   What are your success stories?