Advantages and Disadvantages of Group Keyboard Lessons

 

Like with everything else, there are advantages and disadvantages to taking group lessons, but when it comes to learning the keyboard, there are some further specifications to be considered. Keyboard as an instrument is rather unique in how it is played in general, so the requirements for keyboard classes might be slightly different than for other musical instruments. Let us take a quick look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of group lessons in this context.

Advantages

  • Students learning the keyboard or piano in a group learn how to socialise and it might help them retain interest in continuing with piano lessons even during tough times. Having friends who are also into music is a great way to ensure that you remain dedicated and interested.
  • Group learning is fun. Practising with other students becomes a way of life and it helps in gaining more perspective, especially if they offer constructive criticism to each other. With plenty of group activities, you can even help each other long past the initial stages.
  • One major advantage of group lessons is that they are generally cheaper than private lessons since teachers don’t have to invest the same time in group lessons. This difference can actually be pretty high. So if money is an important consideration, then choose group lessons, especially at the beginning when you haven’t yet learned your way around the musical world.
  • Finally, group lessons help with the networking aspect that is always an important facet of learning to play the piano professionally. If you are looking at a long-term career playing the keyboard, then these opportunities for networking can come in pretty useful. Over time and learning with different groups, your network of music lovers will also increase.

Disadvantages

  • Keyboard musicians are never required to perform in a choir with other keyboard performers. This takes away the necessity of having them learn how to play together in a chorus. There is no advantage of learning how to play in a group environment since they would never be called upon to do so professionally.
  • Group lessons on the piano or keyboard usually end up with one student playing while the others cluster around. Most teachers take small groups of 4 to 5 students but they only have one keyboard to be used per class. This kind of learning doesn’t go far because it takes you far longer to get familiar with the instrument.
  • There are some students who simply learn better in a private environment on a one-to-one basis. It is more difficult for them to connect to the teacher in a group learning environment. Most keyboard teachers too will not be able to assess students as effectively in this option. Providing a standardised teaching might not suit the requirements of some students who fall behind due to lack of personalised attention.
  • Group lessons are not flexible. In case you fall sick or get too busy at work, you cannot just stop practising for a few days and then pick it up again. You will fall incredibly behind and will have to catch up on your own. This will put pressure on you to quickly learn things in a short time, something with which you might not feel comfortable.

In view of the above, the choice of opting for a group or individual keyboard lessons lie in your own hands according to your convenience. Just be sure to consider all aspects of the situation before making a final choice.