Group piano teaching opportunities can really pad your pocketbook. But the real benefits are worth a thousand times more than what shows up in your bank account! If the prospect of teaching more than one little darling at a time makes you want to run for the hills… resist the urge and read on!
You’ve Just Got To Teach Group Piano Classes!
If you’re not already including group teaching in your piano studio you’re missing out on some seriously important moments. Why? Because group piano classes…
1. Create a very strong sense of community amongst your piano families. This increases retention, word-of-mouth, and overall satisfaction amongst your clients.
2. Promote learning among peers. Children learn from watching other children. Plan your groupings carefully and watch peer-modeling work its wonders.
3. …are just plain fun! The piano is such a solitary instrument at times; music is meant to be shared and mutually enjoyed. Groups are a great opportunity to explore the joy that is music.
Not Your “Same Old, Same Old” Group Piano Class
Group piano classes don’t need to be an arduous planning project on your part. They also don’t need to be a weekly occurrence. Consider the following ideas for adding group classes to your piano teaching studio:
1. Piano Rock Band– if you have the set-up, combine 4 students of similar ability and teach them one popular lead sheet during the group class. You’ll need at least 2 keyboards or pianos (they share like a duet). Have them play as an ensemble once they’ve learned their parts. Two students play the bass line, the other two take the melody line. Songs like Coldplay’s Clocks are amazing in situations like this. If your group meets often enough to polish their pieces, have them perform at your recital for a real “wow” moment.
2. Piano Parties– Choose a topic to teach your students and create games, a craft, a fun snack, and a chance for them to perform for each other surrounding this topic. You can choose a particular composer, a theory concept, a particular piece, etc. Be creative and keep the activities short and sweet.
3. Performance Masterclass– Teach your students how to give constructive feedback on performances by having them meet to perform their current polished pieces. Serve fun snacks, give them their very own adjudication forms to fill out as they listen, and have a great time sharing talents. This is a very motivating practice incentive!
By changing up the routines of your students’ regular lessons, and by connecting them with their peers, your studio will stand out not only within your current clientele but also within your community as the word gets out. Give it a try!
Great ideas again – Thanks Andrea!
Thanks for reading Fiona! 🙂
Love these ideas and thanks for all of your help! What would you think about offering a daytime group piano lesson for the PARENTS of my students who want to learn to play?
that’s a great idea! i’m stealing it! hehe!
I agree Angela! This is a fab idea Kelly! 🙂
This article is SO true. I teach mostly group lessons to beginners (10 weekly group classes of up to 6 kids.) All advertising is done word of mouth ONLY. I do NOT put up fliers or advertise in any other way. It has taken some time to work out the kinks but it is truly worth it. I teach a year long beginner class and the the kids “graduate” to private teachers. Every year I enroll up to 60 new kids. What makes the program successful is the parents act as the coach for their children. I balance this out by giving private lessons as well. I’ve had some teacher roll their eyes but the program has a great reputation in my area. It also pays the bills so I can’t complain.
Michelle,
I normally hold monthly group class but this summer I tried a preschool intro to music and loved it! Do you have your beginning group class for certain ages or how do you divide your classes? Also what program do you use? I’ve been making up my own lesson plans but I would love to learn about other’s successful implementations.
Thanks, Tami