Discover the BUZZ: Why Group Lessons are a Game Changer
Need a change? Maybe Group Piano Lessons are just what you need.
Fun, Community, and Musical Growth
Thank you Whitney Davis for this video!!
What’s the buzz about group piano lessons?
Imagine a room filled with the sound of laughter, the joy of shared music-making, and students inspiring each other to reach new heights.
"Group piano lessons are more than just a trend—they’re a proven way to boost engagement, foster collaboration, and create a vibrant learning environment."
Whether it’s duet ensembles or dynamic team challenges, students thrive in a setting that combines music with the camaraderie of peers. Ready to see what all the excitement is about?
Meet the expert
Jess Homewood is the founder of Not Your Mother’s Piano Studio and creator of The Group Conversion Collective, a program that helps piano teachers seamlessly transition from 1:1 lessons to group lessons, and ultimately double their income while cutting their schedule in half! Her practical teaching philosophy led her to develop The No Printout Playbookseries, featuring low-prep piano games that require no printouts or extensive materials, perfect for both home and studio use.
Jess empowers piano teachers worldwide to simplify their teaching and grow their studios while maintaining work-life balance. As a busy mom of two, she understands the challenges of balancing studio life with family life and shows teachers how to do it all without sacrificing their business or passion.
Introducing Jess
Not Your Mother’s Piano Studio.com
Advice from the experts
10 Tips to Get Started with Group Piano Lessons
Ready to dive into group teaching but not sure where to start?
Here are ten practical tips to help you set up your first group piano lessons.
*Some of these tips are great for "take it on a test drive" without committing to full time group teaching...
Start with special occasions: like a Christmas Piano Party! Invite 4-6 students for an hour group lesson in lieu of their last lesson in December. Include a few music games, some easy ensembles to play together and cookies, of course!
Optional Ensembles for recitals: Invite a few students to participate in a special ensemble for a recital. Hold rehearsals in addition to regular lessons - this gives you and the students a trial period to "try on" group lessons.
Pair Similar Levels: I love to pair students for duets first before jumping into a full ensemble. Sometimes, playing with a friend is a great first step.
Targeted Group lessons with a purpose: Adults especially enjoy making music together. Offer a set of 4 group lessons to learn Christmas solos or songs with a theme, like travel. Have several levels of the same piece to keep everyone interested. Begin with a small group size, like 3-4 students, to get comfortable with managing multiple learners at once.
Plan Engaging Activities: Incorporate games, ensemble pieces, and collaborative challenges to keep lessons interactive and fun.
Use Ensemble-Friendly Music: Select repertoire designed for multiple players, like duets, trios, and flexible ensembles. Ensembles create a sense of teamwork and accomplishment.
Set Up Your Space: Arrange your teaching area to accommodate multiple keyboards or digital pianos, ensuring everyone has a clear view of you and each other.
Establish Ground Rules: Create a positive, collaborative atmosphere by setting clear expectations for participation, listening, and encouragement.
Teach Teamwork: Emphasize skills like listening to others, syncing rhythms, and balancing dynamics within an ensemble.
Offer Variety: Mix individual attention with group activities to keep lessons dynamic and cater to different learning styles.
Music that makes it happen...
Ensembles in action. Watch as students tackle various Christmas carols that teach different techniques.
Multi Level Christmas Fun: Jingle Bells -
Five Students on 1 Piano: Joy to the World -
Multiple Students, Multiple Pianos: Truly Multi Level - We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Sight reading challenge: Jingle Bells
Teacher Favorites....
"Creative Christmas was great fun for easy, successful sight reading! Because the pieces are accessible and highly patterned - they are a quick learn! And they sound good - not simple & boring, like typical sight reading exercises.
The carols included in Creative Christmas are favorites! The students loved playing them!!"
~ Diane Norcott Little
