Piano can be taught through the one-to-one approach with a private teacher or with a small group of students in a classroom setting. Many parents of young students do not know what is the best option for their child’s lessons. We will describe how the two approaches vary for students of piano.

Class sessions mostly highlight lively activities for students that are under the age of six that include playing with percussion toys, learning childrens’ songs, dancing and learning short pieces on the piano or keyboard. Some children that are older will be able to spend more class time on the piano, but they also get some skills in rhythm and learning new songs.

Some children may discover that taking private lessons too stressful as it demands their constant attention and concentration. Not all teachers are understanding or accommodating for young children so some children may not look forward to the lessons and feel pressured to achieve. Younger children cannot always stay interested and listen to what the teacher is communicating and sometimes their hands are just too small to play piano pieces.

Many teachers from both group and private settings expect or insist on the parent to be present at the lesson. As a result, the parent can find out how their child is doing and if they are learning. Also, they can see the interaction between teacher and student and see if the lessons are really working out.

Students should keep taking the lessons if they are learning and liking the instrument. It does not matter if it is a group or private setting, as long as the teacher works well with children and is adept at helping them learn a musical piece then all is well. Teachers that offer stickers give some students some motivation to get the piece practiced after class is over.

Sometimes group classes that have other children can get some young students to lose their attention span and lose focus on the class. Teachers that do not have the skills to lively children will have a difficult time in controlling the class, so not much learning may be accomplished in the class. In a private lesson situation, if the parents attends at least part of the lesson they can see how their child is doing.

Does you child want the group lessons or private lessons? Did they ask to learn how to piano or join a group class? Let them observe the group classes or take a private lesson or two from a recommended teacher that accepts and enjoys working with very young students.

Remember that the child should look forward to the lessons. It’s not a good thing to make them attend the lessons like something they have to do, as they will grow to resent it. Parents should take note and maybe realize that the child may be too young for lessons and as they get older, they may change their minds.