Historically, pre school music instruction has been conducted in group s often with parents attending and assisting students in the lessons. This approach is very effective as young students enjoy the interaction with peers. Parents enjoy the opportunity to share these experiences with their children. Such classes typically focus on general musicianship activities using the keyboard as a tool to aid in musical learning.
Private Lessons
When teaching young children privately, it is very important that the lessons include a variety of activities that get the student away from the keyboard. Parents can alos helpful in private lessons, but care should be taken that the lesson does not become an adult conversation between the teacher and the parents.
Advantages of Group teaching
There are many advantages of group teaching including the valuable learning atmosphere that it fosters. Studies have also found that group instruction is effective in developing both performance and musicianship skills. Advantages of group instruction for pre-schoolers include the following:
1. Provides confidence in playing for others.
2. Aids students in developing rhythmic security.
3. Concentration develops by maintain ones own part while hearing others play.
4. Allows students to broaden their musical experiences.
5. Exposes students to a variety of music (both piano music and other genres).
6. Provides a friendly and encouraging atmosphere.
7. Allows the teacher to present music fundamentals in a shorter time than if he/ she were making the presentation to individual students.
8. Fosters an atmosphere that is conducive to the effective teaching of a variety of skills such as listening, pitch matching, singing, rhythm, movement and music appreciation.
9. Facilitates the performance of ensembles.
10. Establishes a sense of group spirit and group dynamics that increases motivation.
11. Fosters the development of communication skills.
12. Allows students to learn from peers as well as from the teacher.
13. Provides a setting where drills and exercises can be more interesting and motivating.
14. Increases attention span, allowing the lesson time to be longer than private lessons.