Group Piano Teaching

Ashwin Prabhakaran
May 4, 2023
3 min read

Teaching a Group Piano Class can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and execution to ensure that each student receives the attention and instruction they need.

Here are some tips on how to teach a successful group piano class:

Plan your lessons carefully: Before each class, prepare a detailed lesson plan that includes the objectives, materials, and activities for each session. Be sure to include individual and group activities that cater to different learning styles.
Set Clear Expectations: Establish clear expectations for behavior and participation from the beginning of the class. Communicate your expectations to the students and encourage them to respect each other's space and focus on the lesson.
Use Technology: Utilize technology such as digital pianos, music software, and online resources to enhance the learning experience. This will make the class more engaging and interactive for the students.
Divide the Class hour into small activities: Divide the class hour into small activities that help to develop long term skills. Small chunks of time in each lesson should be devoted to 'Activities at the Piano' and 'Activities Away from the Piano'. Be sure to include Activities for 'Listening', 'Ensemble Playing', 'Technique Work', etc
Give Specific Feedback: Don't be generic in giving feedback. Be as specific as possible. Update each student (and parents) regularly on their progress and areas that need improvement. Provide written Homework. Celebrate their successes and encourage them to keep working towards their goals.
Encourage Collaboration: Encourage collaboration and group work among the students. This will foster a sense of community and help the students learn from each other's strengths and weaknesses. Playing Parts/Ensemble etc help with this.
Make it fun: Incorporate games, quizzes, and other fun activities into the class to keep the students engaged and motivated. This will make the class enjoyable and help the students retain the information better.

Teaching a group piano class can be challenging, but with proper planning and execution, it can be a rewarding experience for both the teacher and the students.

SAMPLE LESSON LAN :

Lesson Plan: Group Piano Lesson for Beginners

Objective: By the end of the lesson, students will be able to play a simple melody with both hands using proper finger placement and hand position.

Materials:

Piano for each student
Score for "Mary Had a Little Lamb"

Warm-Up and Technique (5 minutes):

Students Play a 5 Finger Exercise - Right Hand, Left Hand and Hands Together with teacher counting out aloud
Remind students to play with Rounded Hands, using Finger Tips
Remind students about correct Playing Posture and to sit at correct Height and Distance from Piano

Listening Activity (5 minutes):

Teacher plays 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' while students listen and move
Teacher plays 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' while students Tap the Pulse
Teacher plays 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' while students Tap the Rhythms
Teacher plays 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' while students Sing the Tune

Preparatory Theory (20 minutes):

Students write down the counts for "Mary Had a Little Lamb"
Students Clap out the Rhythm of Each Hand while Counting
One Set of Students Clap Right Hand Rhythm while the other Set Claps out Left Hand. Then swap the parts
Students Read Out the Note Names to be Played. Teacher Tests and makes sure all students are aware of the Notes that are to be Played

Ensemble Work (20 minutes):

Practice 1-2 Bars (or a Phrase) at a time
One Set of Students can play on hand while the other Set plays the other hand. Swap
Teacher and Students count aloud while playing
Once Students are able to Play entire song, Play the Piece using different Voices of Digital Piano. This way students can experience Orchestral sounds while playing.
Play enough number of times so that students wont get it wrong even if they don't practice at home

Closing and Homework (5 minutes):