The Big Picture Benefits of Group Music Lessons

We all know that music classes will enrich the lives of children. Not only does it aid their brain development, they will also enhance multiple motor skills, grow in confidence, and respond to a variety of other benefits during musical instrument lessons.

The question is: Are music lessons better in groups or as private 1-2-1 classes?

In this blog post I’m going to share my thoughts as to why group classes are better for young beginners and intermediate music learners.

Northampton Drum Lessons at Drummers Link Music School. Rockstar photoshoot week in one of a “Intro to Drums” course groups.

In your mind private lessons may be the best option for a child… but will you feel the same after you read these big picture benefits?

Big Picture Benefits of Group Music Lessons

Private (1-2-1) lessons can be too intense

For many students a one-on-one lesson is just too intense. They don’t want the full attention of the teacher on them for the entire lesson.

Reduce performance anxiety

Students get the opportunity to regularly play in front of other people, reducing performance anxiety. Within private classes, you often only play in front of your teacher.

Didn’t think of that….

My absolute favourite example…

Students hear other students ask questions they may not think to ask; this can lead to a deeper, richer learning experience.

Accountability

There’s more of a sense of accountability and healthy competition when it comes to practising between lessons.

Playing music together

Students develop the skill of playing with others straight away, improving their ability to play in time and understand music within a group context. This is particularly important if they hope to go on and play music in bands.

continue reading below…

Lifelong friendships

Lifelong friendships form in group classes, making the desire to keep coming even stronger.

Reinforced learning

Students can be asked to demonstrate something for another student, reinforcing what they’ve learned, and giving them a little ego boost in front of the class. According to this article written by Helen Colman on ispringsolutions.com, students can retain 90% of their learning by teaching their peers. In comparison, Audio-Visual learning helps retain around 20% of information, and knowledge learnt by reading has an even lower retention statistic at just 10%.

Not under a microscope

Group lessons typically include an independent learning element where students develop the skills to focus and practise alone without the teacher staring and listening to every note during that time (like in private classes).

Group music games

Musical games are more fun in a group!

Progressing

Other than the virtuosos online, how is your child supposed to know how they are progressing when they attend private classes? In group classes students get a sense of how they’re progressing compared to the other students in the room.

Peer-learning context

Many students learn better within peer-learning contexts, especially while they are beginner/intermediate students.

Interested in signing up for group drum lessons?

Drummers Link Music School in Northampton offers group lessons for ages 6-8, 9-13, and adults (14+). We offer a free 45 minute trial session to try before you commit.

More info on trial sessions can be seen via the button link below.