Private Music Lessons vs Group Lessons

Here's Ben learning how to Rock with Kyle, one of Footprints Music's former teachers. Kyle had the Rock Star Attitude and needed the skills to back it up! Private lessons helped with that as he could learn faster and gain confidence each week.

Private vs group lessons? YouTube lessons vs a music school? There are many options to choose from. After reading this, you are closer to making the best decision for yourself or your child with music lessons. It's not one-size-fits-all.

1. Price

2. Consistency

3. Learning style

4. Results

5. Summary

1) PRICE

Generally, the pricing for lessons from cheapest to most expensive are -

• Online

• Group

• Private

There are many free or close-to-free options from YouTube and Chodify to monthly subscriptions like Yousician and Simply Piano. If you're not sure where to start it can be helpful to look at some of these sites/tools to dip your toe into music lessons. However, one of the biggest setbacks with this lesson option is at best getting conflicting advice and at worst terrible advice. We have seen (and helped!) many musicians struggle to overcome bad habits, technique and head-scratching after a few months of these lessons. Sometimes you get what you pay for. While many students can and do have great results, it's not always the best place to start lessons. Especially for the young ages of 4-9 years.

2) Consistency

Weekly private music lessons, from our experience, give the best results and consistency. There's something about accountability, showing results to a more skilled artist and getting feedback that pushes a student in the best possible way. Group lessons can garner great results as well. The comradery of playing with others, and see different skill levels playing close by can be motivating and rewarding.

3) Learning Styles

Do you have a visual or auditory learner? The learning style of the student is as important as consistency. Parents often make the mistake that lessons will immediately improve each week and are disappointed when they see a month of stagnation. The learning style of the player is key because some can get things right away however, the majority do not. Students need to train their cognitive functioning concurrently with physical coordination. This can be frustrating and overwhelming. Some kids can learn by hearing, others by doing. NOTE* It's important to recognize that practicing is not the same as playing a piece. Practicing is making mistakes and doesn't sound like a song. It's fixing and teaching the muscles to move at the right time. Different people learn at different stages. We have seen no progress for up to 2 years then all of a sudden, like a waterfall it starts to flow.

4) Results

Really, it's the results that matter. While we would caution making sure your child is getting the necessary technique without shortcuts if they are having fun and love learning that's the best result. Wanting to go to the lesson is a great gauge of how well your child is progressing and enjoying lessons. While you may not hear practicing, often students can be shy and not want anyone to hear them. These music lessons of for their growth, enjoyment and confidence building.

Conclusion

There are so many fantastic ways to learn how to play. If your child is using the correct technique, and enjoys lessons and learning no one can say what's right or wrong. A great way to start is with something free only, then progress.