Every child experiments with music at some point. And that means every child also holds the potential to become a fully-fledged musician! But at this early point in their lives, deciding how much time, effort, and money to invest can be tricky. Once you and your child have decided on what instrument they’d like to learn, the next step is to sign up for group or private music lessons. But while finding the right teacher is critical, it’s also important to decide whether group classes or private lessons are best for your child.
When considering the two, there are two major things to keep in mind:
-Your child’s age.
-Your child’s goals.
How Old is the Student Starting Music Lessons?
The vast majority of children between the ages of one and four should probably just stick with group lessons. Most kids in this age group simply haven’t developed certain characteristics important for the rigors of private lessons.
Those critical characteristics include:
-Fine motor skills.
-Reading abilities.
-An attention span that will allow them to focus for more than a few minutes.
Of course, there are always exceptions. Some very young students thrive in private lessons, provided they have found the right instructor. But, in most cases, fun group lessons that are more low key and involve singing, clapping, and rhythm games are best for the youngest musicians. In classes like these, young children can learn by watching others and don’t have to sit still for long periods of time.
Young Singers
When it comes to those passionate young singers (around 5 to 13 years old), it’s wise to wait for private lessons until after they’ve begun puberty. Starting lessons too early can damage underdeveloped vocal cords, so it’s best to start them off with an instrument and/or ear-training lessons.
What are Your Music Student’s Goals?
Group Music Lessons
If any of these circumstances sound like they apply to you and your child, then group lessons are probably best.
1. Your child isn’t sure how much they’ll like the instrument they’ve chosen, and you both want to do a “test drive” before committing.
In this case, the short-term nature of group lessons may be helpful and may feel like less of an investment.
2. You’re looking for more of a social experience for your child’s musical journey.
Group lessons are great for extroverted kids! These kinds of children may thrive in group lessons, while more introverted children may also find comfort in being part of a group instead of the center of attention.
3. Your child longs to know what it feels like to play in a band.
Making music as a group is the very nature of group lessons! This is the place to experience the synergy of music.
Of course, none of this is to say that private lessons will overload your child with incredible demands. The right teacher will help your child reach their goals without overwhelming them. If they don’t, it’s time to find a new teacher!
Private Music Lessons
On the other hand, if any of the following circumstances sound like they apply to your child, then private lessons may be best.
1. You want your child to focus their attention.
You can think of a private music teacher as something like a coach. They understand your child’s goals, evaluate their skills, create a personalized lesson plan, and help with motivation.
What’s more, private lessons are great for students who like to work at their own pace. When it comes to group lessons, the teacher’s attention is spread over the entire group, and everyone moves at the same speed. But in a one-on-one setting, your child’s learning style is the direct focus.
2. Your child has a very specific goal in mind, like:
-Learning songwriting.
-Preparing for an audition.
-Correcting bad musical habits.
3. The convenience of private music lessons, with a regular schedule and location, works best for your family.
Chances are, you’ve already got an idea of which type of lessons will be best for your child. Go with your gut. If you start with group classes and change your mind, you can always switch. If you’re still not sure, talk to a professional at a music studio that offers both, and get the info straight from the source.
Whichever path you decide on, remember that lessons should always be fun! If they’re not, something is wrong and it may be time to change things up a bit!
If you’re considering group or private lessons, look no further than The Music Studio! Our professional instructors offer a wide range of musical programs for all ages. So whether you’re looking for a new instructor, hoping to pick up where you left off, or are on the hunt for someone to help get you or your little ones started, we’ve got a program for you!
Check out all our classes, lessons, and programs, all now available online as well, and sign up today! It’s never too early or too late to start a life filled with music!