Group Lessons

Group Piano

Want to learn piano in a group setting? The Academy of Music offers group piano lessons in one-hour sessions in which three to eight students of similar age and skill level learn to play the piano together. Find out more here.

What Are Group Piano Lessons?

Group piano lessons are one-hour group sessions in which three to eight students of similar age and skill level learn to play the piano together. It is similar to the Suzuki Method in that the teaching is done in a group setting, but differs from Suzuki in that the students learn to read music right away. Students meet in a piano lab equipped with multiple digital pianos. Each student plays on a digital piano with weighted keys and uses headphones so that the instructor can listen to and communicate with each student individually. The instructor has the ability to listen to each student alone or combine two to five students so they can play songs together.

Instructor: Pam Sohriakoff

Advantages to One-hour Group Piano Lessons

• Students are given time to work on what they learn during the lesson and are taught how to practice.
• The hour gives the instructor more time to cover not only the students' pieces, but also music theory, improvisation, music history, note drills, scales, chords and ear training.
• Students motivate each other and enjoy lessons because of the group setting. They feel the camaraderie of their peers, much like the band and orchestra experiences at school.
• Students develop rhythm and ensemble skills by playing duet and group pieces with other students.

Eligibility

Group piano lessons are available to beginners with no previous piano experience. Students must be able to read and work independently. Adults are welcome!

Emphasis

Each student will play on his or her own digital piano with earphones. Students will learn to read music and play both solo and ensemble pieces in a variety of styles. The one-hour lessons will include scales and chords with music theory, improvisation, and ear-training. This is a great course for beginners wanting to start piano in a group setting. Students must have a piano or keyboard to practice on during the week. Practice outside of class is expected.

Schedule

Group Piano is offered on Mondays for 12 lessons with a recital on the final day of class.

• Mondays, 6-7 p.m., F2229 (Piano Lab)
  • Class dates: September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, 25, November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, December 6

Recitals

• Recital: December 6 at 6:00 pm

Tuition

• $200/semester - Maximum Enrollment: 8

What should I bring?

Book Requirements:

All participants must order the following books:

• Piano Lessons - Book 1 by Hal Leonard

• Piano Theory - Workbook 1 by Hal Leonard

• Piano Solos - Book 1 by Hal Leonard

Other:

• Pencil
  
• Dry marker

Registration

Registration for group lessons is available both online and through the Academy of Music office. Current families are welcome to register using their online* account. Families without an online account should contact the office to have an account created. There is a nonrefundable $20 registration fee per family per semester.

Tuition may be paid by credit card (online* or over the phone) or check. Payments may be made in full or in monthly installments for an additional $25 fee (per family per semester, except for full year registrations). Monthly invoices will be sent by e-mail. Please see Payment Policies for additional information.

Once registered, you will receive a reminder email a few days before the class begins with further details.

*Note that online registration requires payment in full by credit card. If you wish to pay by another method or to set up a monthly payment plan, please call the Academy of Music office to register.

Discounts

Family discount: Families registering three or more students or registering for lessons on three or more instruments/groups/ensembles during the same transaction will receive a 10 percent discount off the family’s total tuition for the semester. The discount does not apply towards the registration fee or the monthly payment plan fee.