The Advantages of Shared Lessons

Courtesy of Simply Music Master teacher, Mark S. Meritt

The dynamic group environment accelerates musical learning.

Multiple types of learning through observation and experience.
Variety, physicality and group dynamics are energizing and fun for students and teacher, dramatically increasing students’ attention and engagement.
Questions and comments not all students would think of on their own.
Interactive discussion can deepen learning.
Pairings and mentor groups increase in-lesson educational support.
Classmates provide opportunity for out-of-lesson educational support.
Presence of others facilitates singing along, providing more holistic musical learning.
Playing and singing together gives ensemble performance experience.
Playing in front of others provides public performance experience.
Constructive peer pressure – groups increases students’ sense of accountability and can speed up those who would have been slower.

Music returns to its natural context as a joyful cooperative activity.

Students develop social skills and engage in teamwork.
Group dynamics create room for each unique personality.
Appreciation for multiple perspectives – everyone learns from everyone, not only from the teacher.
Community, camaraderie, friendship – within piano learning and potentially beyond as well.
No student is on the spot with the teacher for the entire lesson – opportunity to hide when needed based on personality, mood, etc.
Students learn to teach others – faster students in particular can take on a leadership role.
Parent/coach gains support from other students and parents/coaches.
Many of the musical advantages are social ones as well.

The return on investment increases dramatically.