Why Group Piano Lessons?

By Chris Swan

I think a lot of people want to learn how to play the piano but aren’t sure where to start.  I mean, it’s information overload out there these days.  Have you ever Googled “how to play the piano?”  You will get a million options.  Where do you go from there?  Do you start watching YouTube videos?  Do you buy a book?  Do you read a blog?  Do you sign up for private lessons?  Where do you find a good teacher?

So many things to figure out.  No wonder we get so overwhelmed and quit before we even start.  It happens to a lot of people.  But it does not have to be that hard.

There is no substitute for a good teacher.  They can help navigate you through all the information overload, develop a specialized plan just for you and guide you every step along the way.

But sometimes signing up for private lessons feels like it’s too much.  Will I like it?  Will I be able to hack it?  Again, more overwhelm and more giving up.  That is what makes group piano lessons so great!

Less Pressure

In a group setting, you get to learn alongside other people at your experience level.  It’s not just you and a teacher in a room.  It’s you and bunch of people just like you learning together.  The pressure is off so you can just relax and have fun!

Get Answers To Questions You Didn’t Even Know You Had

I think the best part about group lessons is learning from other people’s questions in the class.  Sometimes we are afraid to ask a question because we think it’s a “dumb” question or we should already know the answer. 

First of all, there are no dumb questions.  We all start from scratch.  Any question you have in your head was a question your teacher had to ask at some point in their life so don’t be afraid to ask.  That’s the only way you will learn. 

Secondly, there is usually someone in the class with us who doesn’t care and will ask that question for you.  You get to learn from others in your class by hearing answers to their questions and by watching how they approach certain exercises. 

Thirdly, there may be questions you don’t even know you have.  Have you ever wanted to learn more about something, but you don’t even know how to ask the question?  That happens to me when I Google things a lot.  I don’t even have the words to get Google to know what I am talking about.  Well, that is the great thing about a group class.  You get to learn more because others will ask questions that you haven’t even thought of yet!

Meet Other People

By getting into a group class, you get to meet other people who have the same interests as you.  And I think at this time in history we need all the help we can get connecting with others again.  Group classes give you a forum to hang out with others.  You have an instant connection with others in your class because you are both there to accomplish the same goals.  It’s pretty great!

It’s Fun And Inspiring

It’s just more fun to do things with other people.  You can go out to dinner by yourself, but it’s way more fun to go out with friends, right?  Learning an instrument is the same thing.  You can do it alone but it’s a lot more fun to do it with others.  We were meant to experience life together and group lessons is a great way to do that.  Plus watching others succeed will inspire you to keep going when it gets challenging.

If you have been wanting to explore the world of music but aren’t sure where to jump in, group lessons is a great way to get your feet wet and see what you think!  There’s no pressure, you get to meet other folks just like you, and it’s a lot of fun.  So, give it a shot.  What have you got to lose?

Interested in taking group piano with Chris? Click below to explore more on his classes.