I agree with what people said above. My private teacher has been great. She's extremely educated with her degree in piano and is able to pass along her knowledge to help me learn in depth and play with true talent. She has a passion for what she does, it's noticeable and contagious. I always feel like every minute of my lessons are worthwhile. Also, she's a really good teacher outside of technique - very personable, friendly, and helpful. - Abri

At his age, I'd say private. That way you are assured of individualized attention! And he would only be "competing" with himself. If in a class, and the pace moves too slowly for him, he'll be bored.

Invest in private.

Same here. Invest in private.

This is great info. Thanks all!

Group lessons is a good way to figure out if you like the instrument. But quality of group lessons depends on where you send the kid. Levine is an excellent starting point. Jordan kitt would be terrible. I saw the progress of the kids and the difference is huge.

A word about starting piano with non professional pianists. Piano is not like learning to walk. If you learn with imperfect techniques, you will never be able to progress or excel without a lot of effort and time for corrections. As parents, our goal is to give he kids solid foundations where they could explore later. If your child turns out liking piano, he/she may become discouraged that she/he does not have good technique.

I took group piano lessons as a kid (long time ago), they were worthless. My parents should have gotten us a piano teacher if they wanted us to learn piano. Our group lessons were about 10 kids per class, but still. We didnt' learn much.

Anonymous wrote:How did you find grad student to teach your son, if you don't mind sharing? Thanks!

she advertised on my neighborhood listserve. i've found grad students for things like this by posting on the off campus job site at georgetown.

My kids are taking individual lessons. They are alrady short sessions and in a group setting it comes to getting around 15 minutes of full attention from the teacher...

How did you find grad student to teach your son, if you don't mind sharing? Thanks!

my 7 year old has been taking private lessons with a georgetown grad student. i think group might be fine at first but he's doing great with individual too....i would think it would be preferable to do private personally.

My 7 yea old has been doing private lessons for a few months and honestly, I think at the beginner level a group lesson would work well. What he's doing is do simple.

I'd like to start my 7 yr old son on piano lessons this fall. Am considering group lessons at Levine (3-5 kids per class, each has a piano) or private lessons. Anyone have insight into the advantages or disadvantages of either route? Also -- is anyone has a private piano teacher in the Bethesda/Chevy Chase/ NW area to recommend, I would be very grateful (and please indicate what you like about your piano teacher). Thanks so much!