Start with Two
Start with two
That’s my easiest suggestion for beginning to teach small group lessons.
Pair 2 students who are close in level and age, then have them come prepared to play their song for the class. Practice happens (with genuine motivation) knowing someone else will be hearing what they did (or did not do) during the week.
Having two students will help you learn how the flow of the small group class can go
Performing is always done at the beginning, then I set them to work on their own pianos. Even with their headsets on, I can “hear” what they are playing by looking at their hands.
I assign them the trickiest part of next week’s lesson, help them figure out how to learn it, then leave them to work on it. Sometimes it’s only 90 seconds. Sometimes I leave them for 2-3 minutes. You will find what works best in a hurry.
Two students at a time makes playing a game fun, even if that game is rhythm practice, it’s far more fun.
Two at a time means there’s more interest in hearing the history about a song, or about a frustrating experience with practicing during the week. It validates the reality of learning something new. It helps people learn that even when things are challenging, others have worked them, and that’s the key to them getting it learned too.
Starting with 2 takes the fear out of how you will meet each students needs. One working on a new piece and one struggling with an incorrectly learned song are both working. You will see how it’s comfortable for them to practice while you moderate.
Small group lessons are way more fun to teach
And with small groups, you reach more students. They learn more, they learn better. Give it a try and let me know if you need any help adjusting your curriculum for your new class of two.
