Comments on: What is the Right Choice for My Child- Group or Private Piano Lessons?

By: Heather Nel

Heather Nel — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 05:46:19 +0000

Now and then I am asked “How many of your students have excelled in music and have gone on to higher levels?”
My answer lies not in numbers or concert pianists or wind instrument soloists or world-famous drummers, or rock guitarists. As far as I know I have not left a legacy of any of these, although I do teach all of these instruments. Surely the core reason for a child learning any new skill is just that. They are learning a new skill. Just google “how do music lessons help my child?” You will soon see that having your child take music lessons of any sort in group, or private, percussion or picollo, will advance their intellect, coordination, ability to focus, cooperation and listening skills, not to mention the real and important joy they are experiencing in the music making itself.
Later in life they will use all of these skills, whether they continue the seldom trodden road of dominant seventh scales. Life is a group, and groups are a great way to learn anything. Let’s not single out “music” from the rest of life’s normal activities.

By: Music Lover

Music Lover — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:34:54 +0000

Your post reminded me that families (parents and children both) are all different. I have begun teaching piano lessons with a couple of teenagers with hopes of expanding to all ages once my schedule gives up more time to teach. In talking to one family with two small girls, the mom would say “we’re not pushing her; we just want her to enjoy it.” I thought, “oh dear! that child will never be an exceptional pianist.” But in reading your article, I have to tell myself that perhaps just enjoying what she does know is enough for her and her parents. It was not enough for me as a student. I wanted to be the best. But I am learning that every child has different aspirations, and not all are geared to play all of Liszt or Chopin. Thank you for the reminder.

By: Debbie Wallace

Debbie Wallace — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:14:10 +0000

Sorry, I wrote the prior email for the wrong website. I read your article and found it interesting. I agree that each child has their own needs, and their own learning styles. My son who will be 2 next month is way more interested in music than my 5 year old daughter. I would start him earlier because of this. He is extremely musical. How early would you recommend that one start?

By: Debbie Wallace

Debbie Wallace — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:11:11 +0000

We are interested in our daughter learning music, not just piano. Although we realize that piano provides a good basis for learning other music and both my husband and I have taken piano lessons in the past. I am not an accomplished paionist like my husband but would like to improve my skills also. I am thinking about doing classes with my daughter and one of my dreams is to be able to play a piece together in the future. I read your website and think you would foster this desire. I think I would have my daughter start learning first by herself then maybe start taking classes together. Would she be able to see other students practicing? My daughter seems to be motivated more by other students (competitive) but I think group classes may not be best when you are just beginning. I would like for her in the future to join a ban for instance as I know she would do better, as she rises to a challenge. Having a competitive nature can be a good thing when channeled in the right way. Also, is there any other instruments that you teach besides piano? Later on we would like her to join a band, not right now.