While the pandemic impacted group music lessons, it doesn’t change that private and group music lessons are beneficial for those who take them. Are you interested in improving your musical talents, but you’re unsure which type of lessons will be the best for you?
Below we’re going to settle the debate on private vs. group lessons and help you get one step closer to harnessing your musical talents. Get ready to study music after you check out our guides below.
Benefits of Private Music Lessons
As you move forward with determining which direction your musical education will take you, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of private music lessons. In the end, the only way to decide whether group or private music lessons are right for you is to determine what your goals are.
Here are some of the benefits of having private music lessons.
Better to Achieve Personal Goals
There’s nothing wrong with receiving group music lessons, but in private lessons, you can ensure you have all of your instructor’s attention for the duration of the music lesson. Because you’re the only person the instructor is focusing on during the lesson; you’ll have a lesson tailored specifically to help you achieve the goals you’ve set for yourself.
Because the lesson plan is for you and no one else, you can expect to make progress in ways you wouldn’t when participating in group music lessons. The individualization of private music lessons is necessary if you want to excel as you study music.
Improved Student Growth
All students learn differently, and in private music lessons, you’re given the space you need to learn in your own way. When in a private music lesson, your instructor can identify some of the areas you’re struggling with and help you find a solution.
Again, they can create lessons explicitly meant for your learning style and help you learn the ins and outs of music at your speed. Individual sessions will also take some of the stress off a student because they won’t be worried about slowing their peers down with their learning needs.
Group Music Lessons
You might be wondering if there’s a difference between private and group music lessons besides the obvious, and the answer is yes. While private music lessons have several benefits, so do group music lessons.
Below are some of the ways you can benefit from signing up for group music lessons.
Social Immersion
No matter what age you are, you want to belong to a group of people who think and enjoy the same things you do. The best way to find a place to belong and enjoy social experiences is in a group music lesson.
In these group sessions, you’ll find people that enjoy learning and playing music as you do. It’s also a great place to find the motivation to continue your music lesson success.
Group music lessons make meeting new people a fun experience for everyone involved because there’s no pressure to do or say the right thing. All you’ve got to do is show up and make melodious music with everyone else in the class.
Great Way to Learn Performance Skills
In your private lessons, you can fine-tune some of the areas you’ve been struggling with. But, in group lessons, you can use the time to learn how to play with others.
The more you play with other musicians, the better off you’ll be, and it will help you learn different ways to improvise that can help when it comes to future individual and group performances. Group lessons are beneficial in helping you learn your timing as well.
When you play individually in private lessons, you’re only hearing yourself, versus hearing the entire piece played by a group.
Which to Choose?
It’s time to make your choice, what will it be private or group lessons? If we’re being honest, both types of lessons have several things to offer to students, but they’re best when used in combination with each other.
In private lessons, especially private vocal lessons, you can work on specific things you’re not able to when in a group lesson. Your instructor can help you pinpoint these areas and provide you with all their attention to perfect your playing.
But, in a group lesson, you can take everything you learned in your private lessons and put it to the test with other musicians. Another thing to keep in mind with group lessons is that they can help you break out of your shell if you fear performing with others.
When it’s all said and done, you’ve got to decide what you hope to achieve out of music lessons. Understanding your personal goals will help you decide whether group or private lessons will work best for you.
You might also benefit from speaking with a music instructor to define your goals if you’ve not already set any.
Group Music Lessons or Private Music Lessons: Which One Is Right for You?
The only way to decide whether private or group music lessons are right for you is to take some time to check out what we’ve said above again. If you have a specific learning style, a private lesson is best for you, but if you enjoy the social aspect of music, then a group lesson might prove more beneficial.
Whether you want private or group music lessons, we know a place to provide you with both experiences. Contact the Sloan School of Music and let us help you take your musical talents to the next level.
