Solo

There are many activities that are conducted in a group setting - basketball, dance, tuition etc...

But - why is it that piano lessons are still largely conducted in a 1-to-1 setting?

Occasionally, there are buddy, parent-child and ensemble classes. But for the sake of this blog, let's limit piano lessons to 1-teacher + 1-student setting.

1 or 2 parent (s) may observe the class - and this is rather common for schooling kids while there will definitely be 1 parent sitting in for kids below 12. Meanwhile, both parents sit their butts in for kids below 7/8. Personally, I love it when parents sit in, I feel like its more fun and there's this we-are-together vibe going on. Yay!

Leaving the parent conversation aside, I believe the reason that piano lessons must be conducted in a solo setting is truly because of one main reason - Correction of Technique.

Imagine with me - everything can be achieved in a pair/trio/group setting. Play right hand, left hand, by-parts playing, both hands, rhythm training, theorical knowledge etc...

But I can n.e.v.e.r correct your technique (the 'how' to play), and even if there are brief mentions of certain general techniques, I can almost n.e.v.e.r check & double-check that you did your correction properly. Simply because, technique is designed to be watched upon in individual classes.

And to leave the joke to the joker, this bloody technique, is the most important factor that may kill or heighten your musical ability/interest.

Years of successful piano lessons should produce a pianist-student whom is able to place his/her hands on the piano in a relaxed-curved shape. He/she should sit slightly away from the piano, keeping their elbows loose, but not drooping. We all should find the notes on the keyboard relatively fast after just a glance at the score sheet. There should be absolutely no shaking/searching/unsure moments on the keyboard. if. technique. is. focused. on. throughout. our. lovely. piano. journeys.