Group Lessons with SMI!

While Sound Music Instruction specializes in at-home private lessons, we also offer group lessons for four or more people in several instruments. These lessons can take place at a number of locations throughout metropolitan Detroit, where it is convenient for the group, including schools, churches, community centers, YMCAs and even in the privacy of your home if you have interested individuals.

We can even mix students with different levels of experience because at SMI we use a system called “layered teaching” in group lessons, a style that enables students of varying levels to participate and benefit from the same class. We believe four crucial ingredients go into making our group lessons fun, positive and educational: 1) an enthusiastic, optimistic teacher; 2) the use of a quality text; 3) using a repertoire which is fun and inspiring; 4) having a performance as the goal. 

Why choose group lessons?

Here are the benefits, including some amazing surprises:

• They're a great option for people who can't or don't want to commit to weekly lessons for a long period of time. Group programs are usually a few weeks in length (6 to 8 weeks is our average). We often recommend continuing with private lessons after that for students wanting more individualized instruction. Then, students can refine what they've learned and discuss practice habits beyond group lessons.

• For students with previous experience, they serve well as a supplement to private lessons. They freshen up skills already learned and can also introduce you to a new technique or style of music. For many, group lessons aren't a substitute, just an extra step in their music education

• We believe everyone should have the opportunity to learn an instrument regardless of your financial situation. Group lessons are much lower in price than private lessons, yet offer many of the same tools, making them a viable option for everyone. Prices and lengths of lessons vary by location, so please take a look at the “news” section on this website for more information, or just call us.

• Group teaching provides situations for students to reap wide-ranging benefits through peer learning, says Dr. Jane Macgrath, an internationally recognized pianist, author and teacher. She is professor and director of piano pedagogy at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla. According to Macgrath, in this recent article written for American Music Teacher magazine, group lessons actually give students a chance to compare their progress to others with similar commitment, something any teen or ‘tween is used to doing. They have the advantage in groups of hearing their peers perform the same pieces, receiving motivation from group accomplishments. They perform each week in front of friends, learning to perform with easy and security through frequent practice performing.

• Students form a bond by studying music together, and from that, enthusiasm and success. That's why SMI instructors love teaching group lessons. Students in group lessons often remain in music study longer than those in private lessons only.

• The human need to belong plays a big part in the reason for success, at all ages . According to Dr. Alicia Ann Clair and Karl T. Bruhn in a 1999 article about the benefits of group music instruction, citing a three-year study called the Music Making and Wellness Research Project, there is a strong relationship between group music making and wellness, especially among the elderly. Dr. Frederick Tims, principal investigator for the project and professor and chair of Music Therapy at MSU says, “We feel strongly that abundant health benefits can be achieved by older adults who learn to make music in a supportive, socially enjoyable setting.” “We are just beginning to understand the positive effects of making music on our bodies and our physical health,” he adds. He goes on to say that it's worth looking into for anyone thinking about playing an instrument.

• Group lessons provide the opportunity for social interaction in a non-threatening environment. Dr. Clair and Bruhn state that researchers believe this is above and beyond the sheer pleasure and enjoyment making music creates.

For a current list of where, when and what instruments are currently being taught via groups, check out the news section of this website, our quarterly newsletter, or call our office at  (248) 246-6649 . You may also call us to request a location as well.