Today we’re kicking off our Teach Piano Today Helpline podcast with a fabulous episode featuring everything you’ve always wanted to know about teaching group piano classes.
And if you just thought “Oh… this is not for me, I only have one piano so I can’t teach groups…” you’ll want to hang around and have a listen, as you may be surprised to find out that group piano teaching can still be an option!
Send us a Voicemail… This Could Be You!
We received today’s Helpline Voicemail from a teacher wanting to start group piano classes at her busy studio. To help us answer her question we called Dr. Christopher Fisher at his office in Ohio… in the midst of last weekend’s blizzard. He shares his expertise on this subject including:
- How should you begin teaching group piano classes?
- What are alternatives to the large group classes we think of as a “piano group class”?
- What are the problems that arise – and how can they be prevented?
- How you can you meet individual needs within a group setting?
- What materials and methods should you use?
- and more!
This teacher had her question answered simply by leaving us a voice mail! If you have a piano teaching question, give us a shout and your question could be featured on an upcoming Teach Piano Today Helpline episode!
Getting Started With Group Piano Teaching…
This episode is less than 10 minutes long but isΒ packed with information! Click the player below to have a listen or visit our iTunes page to download it to your iPhone and take it “to go!”
Want to hear more Teach Piano Today Podcasts? Here are some favorite episodes:
Exploring the Cognitive Benefits of Piano Instruction with Dr. Frances Rauscher
How to Teach Piano to Adult Students with Dr. Pete Jutras
Chatting Contemporary Music With The One and Only Christopher Norton
Sylvia says
That was awesome! Thanks for that podcast! I have been teaching Group Classes to beginners for a few years now and currently have 4 classes and one partner lesson. I too have one piano and often think I should have more. It was wonderful to hear your guest say it is not necessary. And yes….it does take more prep time for sure!! π I have over 40 students….with approx half in private and the other half group. I really enjoy the group environment but am challenged to keep the 10-15 min for each student from going over at times….however listening to this podcast has already given me food for thought. Again I thank you!!
Andrea says
So glad it was helpful Sylvia! And I’d highly recommend checking out his book too if you’re looking for more advice and ideas. He’s a wealth of information π
Sylvia says
Keep up the great work Andrea! Love your ideas and tips! Have been meaning to tell you we had Games week in my studio a couple of weeks ago. BIG hits were Zoo Food, Island Hopper, Zombie Acrea, Red’s Revenge and Keys to the Castle. My students Loved the games….can’t say enough about them and your music in the Book Club.
Andrea says
Thank you Sylvia! This is so lovely to hear – Games week sounds like great fun! π
Sarah says
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
I was going to call in about this very topic! I’ve been struggling with trying to do adult group lessons in my studio, but am having a hard time teaching all the different levels with small numbers right now….can’t wait to listen!
Cheryl Amelang says
Thanks for all the information!! Perfect timing! We have a music school in Texas with about 125 students. We began teaching group lessons for the first time this fall. We have had challenges but are learning through the process! For years, we could not get enough interest of the same age group. For curriculum, we are using methods that have prerecorded tracks. For the 5-7 yr olds, we began with Faber Piano Adventures. For the 8 and older we are using curriculum by Debra Perez called “Way Cool Keyboarding” and “Musical Moments”. We supplement with Your music that I have from the piano book club as well as other printables. The challenge for me personally, is there is always one child who seems to hold the others back. It is also hard for me physically with the younger group to make sure that everyone is on the right key, the correct hand and fingering, position, etc. Debra Perez has been a huge help as we were starting. She offers workshops in Corpus Christi, TX. She has been doing this for several years and says that over time, kids learn from the teacher without having to be corrected over and over. As teachers, we are the example and we we do, students copy. She teaches a modeling principle and listening to the music before actual playing. We do arm piano where kids play on their arm with the music. This reinforces the rhythm in a fun way.
Sending the best to all of you!!
Cheryl Amelang
Andrea says
Hi Cheryl – thank you so much for taking the time to share your experiences and tips!
Danielle says
Thank you so much for the Musical Moments reference. I have a very similar studio to yours and I have unapologetic pride for the spirit family that our group piano studio embodies. Yes, it has its challenges, but there is so much love, fun, and learning to be had in a group environment. My studio has been open for one year and although there have been some major scheduling and age grouping frustrations in the process, the rewards have been astounding once those problems were ironed out. My students say they will never quit- and they are so in love with each other and piano. I am really looking forward to checking out Musical Moments!
Beth says
I have been teaching group piano lessons for 9 years and it definitely has its challenges! So many parents enjoy having this option because it allows their child interaction (like a team sport) and it is a less expensive option. I am blessed with a piano studio with 6 digital pianos. We are able to use headphones which allows me to give each student some personal attention while allowing the other students to work on other things. It is great because I can teach more students in a smaller amount of time. I only teach piano part time (7 hrs a week) in addition to my 40 hr a week church position, but because of the group classes I am able to teach 20 kids in 5 of those hours.
Andrea says
Hi Beth – this sounds like a fabulous situation for you! Thanks for sharing your success story π
Keisha Bell-Kovacs says
Hi there, Just a comment about group lessons. I’ve taught this way for over 10 years, does have many benefits. A word of caution: if you have a home studio, check with your city’s by-laws to see whether you are allowed to teach more than 1 student at a time. I had a nasty experience 4 years ago when I still taught in my basement. Someone on my street complained to the city about the traffic, as I had a busy studio at the time, and they wanted to fine me over $20,000 for running a business in a residentially zoned area. I had to quickly find a commercial space and move the studio, which naturally increased my overhead costs. It was a very unpleasant experience, but allowed me to experience having a commercial studio for the past few years. As I’ve refined my group class teaching, what has worked for me is having a 45 minute class with no more than 4 students, (no parents) and a 15 minute private lesson with one of the kids each week. The students all have a binder with assignment sheets inside that the parents are expected to sign. If the students are all evenly matched in ability, it can work beautifully and we see great progress and enthusiasm. Sometimes they progress at wildly different paces, and it is necessary to remove one who is struggling to private lessons, in order to see the benefit for everyone. Hopefully teachers new to group teaching will feel free to experiment with different methods & formats until they find what works for them. It is important to meet the needs of the group, not the teacher :).
Danielle says
“45 minute class with no more than 4 students, (no parents) and a 15 minute private lesson with one of the kids each week” = brilliant!
Melissa says
What? You have a podcast, too?! Signing up now!
Andrea says
Hi Melissa – we do! We took a brief hiatus between seasons, but you can catch up on our other 28 eipsodes on iTunes (search Teach Piano Today in the iTunes store) or on our website here at this page https://www.teachpianotoday.com/category/teach-piano-today-podcasts/
Louise says
I do group lessons with 4 -6 students every 4-6 weeks. We do lots of games, learning activities, learning about listening and performance protocol. This is where they do their performances for each other in very low key atmosphere. I only have one piano but you can do pieces where each student still does a part (all at once) or you can rotate parts. Ensemble pieces can also include other instruments, even singing and pieces that include a narration. Sometimes I include a small art activity, such as making a seasonal decoration for the wall. Sometimes we conclude with a “parent show.” We haul in the chairs, turn on some pretty lights, put on a mini show for the parents and have some cookies. Sometimes the parent show includes a demonstration, such as Improvisation. I think the kids love the group lessons the most. These really build community. And the parents really see how much we are all having fun together.
Louise says
One more thing..I invite an 8 yr old who is struggling with self esteem to come over and help with the 5 yr old class. You wouldn’t believe how that is helping her. Her mother is so grateful!
Danielle says
Good to hear! I’ve always wanted to do this but was unsure how it would go.
Tina Vernon says
Thanks, I love it!
Arthur Glover says
I have been teaching group lessons since 2009. I started with 3 children and grew to total of 15 students. Some have moved on. I started out with two electronic keyboards, 1 88 Key and and 1 61 Key. I later added another 88 key keyboard. Every student was taught the same lesson. Then I would work 1 on 1 with each student for 20 minutes. Since most of my students were siblings, I required them help each other at home and sent notes to the parents telling them what I wanted them to practice.
ROMALEE says
Your comment is quite helpful. I was taking one to one but group is best!
Jan says
Reading the book now. My biggest challenge is that P and Z allows for one car at a time in my neighborhood. So to do it, multiple students will have to arrive in one car. I currently teach 3 boys together and they are my fastest progressing students. I have two teens where I use the dyad approach. Their progress immediately increased.
Andrea says
Great to hear first-hand how well it’s working for you Jan! Peers are so motivating… π
Tracy says
Thank you for this timely podcast! I currently teach over 50 piano students and have more on a waiting list. I was thinking about offering group lessons this summer and needed ideas on getting started. This was just what I needed! Thanks, again.
Andrea says
Love it when “perfect timing” happens Tracy π Hoping this might provide a solution for you (and congrats on the full studio and waiting list!)
Marilyn Shirts says
I really enjoyed hearing about group lessons, but I couldn’t understand him when he said the name of the method book he uses, he voice was occassionally a little hard to understand. Can you tell me the name of the method book, and also is there a way to read the podcasts when this happens? Thanks so much!
Andrea says
Hi Marilyn – he uses Piano Safari π No, podcasts are audio only. We’re always happy to clarify anything if needed, however!
Marilyn Shirts says
Thanks, for answering so quickly and for your attentive care of us all!! You are both so AMAZING!!! I love everything you are doing!!!!!!! Keep those Podcasts coming as long as you can!!