124: What is the Right Way to Teach Group Piano?

After last week's conversation about transitioning to group teaching, I wanted to continue the discussion by exploring what group piano can actually look like. In this episode, I’m sharing the different group teaching models I've experienced, from preschool classes and piano labs to buddy lessons and multi-level groups, and why the best approach is the one that fits your students, your space, and your teaching style.

Rachel explored several approaches to teaching group piano lessons.
She shared how her view of group teaching has changed over the years.
She explained how college piano labs differ from modern group studios.
The value of adapting group lessons to your own teaching space.
How preschool group classes build strong musical foundations.
She explained how play-based activities support young beginners.
How multi-level group lessons can combine individual and collaborative learning.
The benefits of buddy lessons for selected students.
Rachel encouraged teachers to add performance classes or practice labs to their studios.

Links Mentioned

About Rachel Ehring

Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.

Visit her website at RachelEhring.com
Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

Thank you for tuning in!

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