Choosing between Group and Private Lessons
Choosing between Group and Private Lessons
When enrolling for piano or guitar instruction parents and students have the option of either group or private lessons. Some students work particularly well in small groups. The group format allows for certain activities that are not available during private lessons, such as musical games and playing together in duets and other combinations. Some students develop their rhythmic skills more quickly in this format because of these opportunities. Parents and teachers have also observed that students in group lessons improve their skills of cooperation and peer interaction, all while having fun as they learn alongside their classmates.
If group lessons are not available at a convenient time, then private lessons are always a great way to go. A child can change from group to private lessons at any time. In private lessons, each student can learn at his or her own pace and the teacher can focus completely on that individual student’s strengths and weaknesses.
If you are having trouble deciding between group and private lessons, then a member of the MLC office staff or the Director can help by asking some questions and providing more information.
Group Piano Classes are for beginning students aged and older. Special adult classes are also available
for students of varying levels. All students learn the fundamentals of piano or keyboard playing including technique, sight reading, theory and repertoire. Group Piano classes also give students the opportunity to make music both individually and as part of a group.
Classes are comprised of from 3 to 6 students who are grouped according to age. Our office staff and/or Director can help find an appropriate section. Several new groups are formed each September, January and June, with additional groups added upon occasion throughout the year. If a group for your particular student’s age and experience is not scheduled to begin when you first inquire, then we recommend starting in private lessons.
The Group Piano Classroom – a Yamaha digital piano laboratory system
The Group Piano Classroom allows for both individual attention and group playing by using “state of the art” digital pianos*, headsets, and a 
specially designed teacher’s control console. The instructor is able to work either with each student independently, or with any combination of classmates in order to create group performances.
*Digital Pianos offer a weighted action keyboard and touch sensitivity that accurately replicates the feel and response of a piano, along with the ability to
select from hundreds of additional instrument sounds. Click HERE for information on instrument availability.
Check out the Newstimes article about our group piano classes. It is written by a parent and offers a lot of great information.
What do we need at home for practice?
Students should have access to either a piano or keyboard for practicing. Keyboards should be “touch sensitive” with a minimum of five (5) octaves of full size keys. An instrument with a weighted action is preferable for a beginning student, and a necessity as a student progresses.
Group Guitar Classes
Group guitar classes are a fun and effective way to learn to play this popular instrument. These classes are recommended for beginning students ages 8 to 12. All of the fundamentals of guitar playing are covered, including: correct posture, hand placement, chords, reading music, and simple song accompaniment. Practicing and playing along with other students who are getting started just like you, is one of the things that make these classes so enjoyable.
Fees: Group Piano & Guitar Classes are $24.50 per 40 minute class. Lesson fees can be paid by either pre-authorized credit card charge, or pre-authorized checking account debit. For more information please call us at 203-748-1444. Contact Us Now for More Information.
Serving towns in Putnam County, Duchess County, and northern Westchester County, New York – including: Brewster, North Salem, South Salem, Carmel, Cross River, Bedford, Lewisboro, Purdy’s, Golden’s Bridge, Katonah, Mahopac, Lake Carmel, Lake Mahopac, Southeast, Salem, Croton Falls, Patterson, Pawling and Waccabuc.