Group lessons require a bit more planning than individual lessons simply because there are more people involved. When teaching one on one, a teacher considers learning material for a single student’s age, ability level, likes and/or dislikes and that which is appropriate for their stage of development. However, in group instruction students could have a range of: ages (children to seniors), skill level (those who have played or who have never played) and learning ability (students who learn faster/slower than others). Moreover, the number of students one works with can add to the challenges of teaching group lessons.
Let’s take a look at some items to consider when preparing a group lesson.
· Grouping – When working with a large number of students it is important to think about how you will be teaching as time spent with individual students is very limited. Starting with a broad topic which you can teach the entire group is helpful and then you can have students work individually or in smaller groups. Moreover, think about grouping students by ability or musical parts and don’t be shy about designating a group leader.
· Age Range – This is important because older students will generally pick things up more quickly than younger students. Whereas, you may need to bring separate materials for younger and older students to work on; in other words differentiate your lessons according to age.
· Ability Level: You may be thinking of teaching only “X and Y,” but even if you do teach students of the same age chances are there will be students who pick up the material more quickly than others. Therefore, having supplemental or more advanced material at the ready is all the more important.
· Topic: Consider what can be done with your lesson topic to involve as many students as possible. For example, if you are teaching sight reading have duets prepped so three students can the top line and three on the bottom; then have students switch parts.
· Management Skills: If working with younger students, you may need to develop some classroom management skills. Also, it is a good idea to establish signals which lets everyone know to stop playing, focus on you or come back to the group.
If you have experience teaching group lessons I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts regarding approaches you have found successful.
Let’s take a look at some items to consider when preparing a group lesson.
· Grouping – When working with a large number of students it is important to think about how you will be teaching as time spent with individual students is very limited. Starting with a broad topic which you can teach the entire group is helpful and then you can have students work individually or in smaller groups. Moreover, think about grouping students by ability or musical parts and don’t be shy about designating a group leader.
· Age Range – This is important because older students will generally pick things up more quickly than younger students. Whereas, you may need to bring separate materials for younger and older students to work on; in other words differentiate your lessons according to age.
· Ability Level: You may be thinking of teaching only “X and Y,” but even if you do teach students of the same age chances are there will be students who pick up the material more quickly than others. Therefore, having supplemental or more advanced material at the ready is all the more important.
· Topic: Consider what can be done with your lesson topic to involve as many students as possible. For example, if you are teaching sight reading have duets prepped so three students can the top line and three on the bottom; then have students switch parts.
· Management Skills: If working with younger students, you may need to develop some classroom management skills. Also, it is a good idea to establish signals which lets everyone know to stop playing, focus on you or come back to the group.
If you have experience teaching group lessons I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts regarding approaches you have found successful.
