5 Reasons Group Lessons Work for Piano
Why are Yamaha courses taught in a group setting? Great question - and the answer is one we love to talk about! Established in 1954, the Yamaha Music Education System continues to flourish. Over 50 years of research and experience have shown that young children thrive musically when learning in a group setting. In every Yamaha course, we work to develop each student's musical skills while simultaneously considering each student's individuality. Group instruction supports this process. Here are 5 reasons group lessons work for piano:
1. Motivation.
Children provide inspiration and motivation to one another. Each student has musical strengths and areas that need improvement. One child may be developing an excellent ear, but needs extra help on the keyboard. Another child may be challenged by reading, but sing like a dream! So within the group, there are role models in every area that a child can admire and emulate. As teachers, we work carefully to discover and celebrate each child's strengths, while gently and consistently encouraging progress in all other areas. Also, remembering that music class provides a variety of activities and fun with other children is often helpful in getting a student through a rough stretch of practicing at home.
2. Group pulse.
A child's sense of pulse and rhythm are strengthened by group experiences. Moving together, playing together, and singing together increase the child's awareness of the beat.
3. Cooperation.
Children learn to make music as a group, developing an attitude of cooperation and the ability to work with a team. These skills are necessary for success in life. A practical example is preparing to perform together.
4. Ensemble.
It is fun to play ensembles together, but it requires important musical skills such as strong sense of pulse, playing one's part while hearing other parts, sense of balance (volume of each part), and musical nuance (how to shape the line based on the role it plays in the ensemble), and following a conductor. School band, instrumental, and choral teachers praise students who have taken Yamaha courses, as they find these skills in place. Playing in an ensemble gives students the opportunity to be a part of something that is larger than what they could perform alone, fostering positive feelings in children that extend far beyond the walls of our classroom.
5. Community.
Children who come to Yamaha music class develop a group of "music friends." These friends may be the key to continuing lessons, ensuring a lifetime of music participation and enjoyment. Parents of classmates also provide support and encouragement, making your child's musical support network even larger.
Group lessons foster creativity and improve the performance of students learning piano, not to mention the social benefits. Check out the courses available at East Valley Yamaha Music School and start your child's Yamaha Music Education!
