Choosing between individual music lessons and group lessons is easier than you think. As parents, you may want to consider several factors before deciding on the most appropriate lesson format. This includes considerations such as your children’s age, personality, mental ability, and your children’s preferences.
Let’s start with exploring the different factors that might influence your decision:
1. Children’s Age: Developmental Milestones and Learning Readiness
All children are different, and all have different learning abilities and paces. The first thing to consider is your children’s ages. Are they young children under the age of 7? Or slightly older but below 12 years old? Or are they in their tweens and teens? As children grow, they develop their motor and cognitive abilities, and it is essential to understand what your children may or may not grasp.
Jean Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development provides valuable insights into children’s cognitive abilities at different stages:
· Children under 7 years old grasp symbols and language but lack logical reasoning.
· From ages 7 to 11, children develop logical thinking while still thinking concretely.
· Adolescents, from 12 years onwards, begin to grasp abstract reasoning.
Therefore, when deciding on group lessons based on children’s ages, we might look for classes that put children in the same age range together.
Maria Montessori’s educational philosophy highlighted the importance of learning through play to suit children’s developmental stages. She advocated for a “hands-on, individualised activities” approach that promoted independence and self-directed learning. While Maria Montessori may not have used music as an educational tool, music is one of the best subjects to learn for development and growth, especially in areas involving motor skills and coordination.
On the contrary, Shinichi Suzuki, creator of the Suzuki Method, recommended group learning for its social and motivational benefits. Suzuki believed that young children learn best in an environment where there is peer support and friendly competition. Besides that, Suzuki believed that ear development starts at four years old, an age that is most suitable to immerse your precious one in the world of sounds and auditory splendour.
Children of different age groups also have different abilities to focus. Younger children might have shorter attention spans, while older children may appreciate longer lessons.
2. Children's Personalities: Shy vs Outgoing
Understanding your children’s personalities is of utmost importance when deciding between individual and group music lessons. Children vary widely in their social preferences and comfort levels in group settings and allowing them to express themselves in a relaxed environment will greatly enhance their learning experience.
Shy and introverted children may prefer individual settings where they receive focused attention from the instructor—it is easier for these children to express themselves when they have the instructor’s undivided attention to do so. In a group setting, these children might feel intimidated and may feel reluctant to speak up. They may also feel insecure or overwhelmed by the presence of other children and may withdraw from actively participating in activities. If your children are shy and introverted, an individual setting might be more suitable.
On the other hand, outgoing and social children often enjoy the dynamic interaction and social aspects of group lessons. They may find joy through observing their friends and learning and challenging each other.
However, it’s essential to consider that even outgoing children can face challenges in large groups. They may become easily distracted, which hinders progress.
In cases like this, a small group of two or three children may be the best choice, so that they will not get bored. Small group dynamics are also beneficial as children still get to interact socially with others while receiving adequate individualised attention from their instructor.
3. Children's Mental Ability: Learning Styles and Needs
As parents and educators, it's crucial to deeply understand children’s unique learning abilities and styles. Some children grasp concepts best through visual aids, others through auditory experiences, tactile interactions, or logical reasoning.
For children who are visual learners, the use of visual aids and diagrams of musical symbols can significantly enhance their understanding. Visual learners benefit from seeing patterns and relationships presented in a clear and organised manner, which aids in memorisation and performance.
Auditory learners learn better through listening and auditory experiences. They absorb nuances, rhythms, melodies, and harmonies through listening to music pieces, verbal explanations of musical techniques, and participating in musical activities that engage their ears. For them, musical learning is deeply connected to the auditory experience, which enhances their musical appreciation and performance skills.
Tactile learners benefit from hands-on activities such as diving directly into playing instruments; Such children appreciate touching and feeling, and physically engaging with their choice of musical instrument. This retains their curiosity and interest, and through this, children immediately pick up motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Children who are logical learners excel in understanding the theoretical aspects of music. They draw on their analytical skills to comprehend music theory and the lessons they are learning. They appreciate logical reasoning, problem-solving activities, and discussions that explore the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’. At the same time, these activities challenge them to think and respond.
To digress, music also serves as a therapeutic tool for children with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A renowned neurologist, Dr Oliver Sacks, wrote extensively about music’s immense impact on cognitive abilities, improved focus, attention, and emotional regulation. While he did not specifically focus on children, his studies are just as relevant. Meanwhile, Dr Sheila J. Scott, an Associate Professor of Music Education at Brandon University specialising in ASD, supported the role music plays in communication and emotional expression in these children.
4. Inspiring Examples: Child Prodigy Musicians
Throughout history, we also see evidence of child prodigy musicians who overcame challenges to achieve extraordinary success.
Musicians like Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles, both blind from an early age, revolutionised music with their soulful interpretations of music. Stevie Wonder showed an early aptitude for music and received formal training at the Michigan School for the Blind, where he likely had both individual and group music lessons. Ray Charles began with formal piano lessons and later developed his skills through experimentation and listening, initially through private lessons.
Derek Paravicini, a blind autistic music extraordinaire, breaks ceilings with his gifted ability to play complex songs after hearing them only once. Derek's musical journey included both private lessons and intensive music therapy sessions, which helped him develop his skills.
These individuals with special needs are truly inspirational and exemplify how music, whether through individual or group lessons, can bring out the best in your children’s lives.
5. Above All, Children's Preferences
Ultimately, the key factor in choosing between individual and group lessons is your children’s preferences. Children instinctively know and respond to the environment they thrive best in.
Whether it’s through individual lessons, group classes, or small group dynamics, learning is an enriching experience that can nurture your children’s confidence, creativity, and enjoyment. Parents know best and we trust that you will choose the best option for your children.