Simpedia

Laura L., California

I have one class of four 9-10 year olds with one adult (late 40’s) and they all love it, especially the one adult! It has been wonderful for the kids to relate to an adult who is a student like they are, and the adult really gets a lot out of being with children too. They have been together for about 18 months or so and are all thriving.

I didn’t start the adult in this class, but when her class fell apart, the class with the children was the only option that fit her musical development, and so we gave it a go, not knowing if it would work. But it has, and beautifully.

Robin Keehn, Washington

I completely agree with Laura L. Never say never. We have had the occasional adult in with children and it’s worked out very well. Adults often think that they are going to be so much faster than the kids but it is usually just the opposite. Adults usually have to work hard to keep up with the young brains!

I wouldn’t hesitate at all to put an adult in with kids. I think as long as you are very confident and matter-of-fact and reassure everyone that if this isn’t a good fit, you can make changes, then people are happy to go along with your recommendation.

We have had all sorts of age combinations. There isn’t any hard and fast rule. I’ll give anything a try with the understanding that groups are fluid and dynamic and that it is possible that we will want to make adjustments. If you start from that position, students will be flexible.

Cathy T., New Zealand

I think that age is less an issue than compatibility in terms of speed of learning. I have one group that has an 8 yr old, a 10 yr old, a 35 yr old high school teacher and a lady in her late fifties. They get on just fine and with some things the younger ones learn quicker and other things the older ones. They all support each other so well and we have a great time. The fact is they all work hard each week and all keep up with the lessons. Another group I have has an 8yr old, a 40 yr old math teacher and a teenage young man of 14. They also get along just fine. The 8year old is the best one for being well prepared! One girl dropped out from that group not because of age but because she was too busy to practice. I think that young people get a pleasure from playing sometimes better than the older folk and the older folk feel motivated and enlivened to be around such fun young people.

Irene S., Canada

In my years of teaching Simply Music, I have also come up with the challenges of putting different age groups together. My preferred age groupings are: 6 – 9 / 9 – 12 / 12 – 16 / 17 thru Adult.

Now in reality, especially as the students are 11 and older, there does not seem to always be a starting group for an older age group, so it becomes more of a challenge.

So these are the options I will give: 1) If there is a group of appropriate age starting, then great.

2) If there is a younger group starting, put them in it to start, and supplement the older child with an extra challenge pertaining to that weeks lesson. I also say to the student/parent, that if it becomes apparent that this set up is not working, other options can be explored later. At least the student is getting started, when they want to get started. 3) Start with private lessons, and possibly if they are keen and eager to learn, they may be able to catch up with a group within 6 months (or less or more) 4) Encourage them to find a friend who would like to start with them, and they may be able to find their own group. In re. to Adults, I have had older teen work well with Adults, but I would not put younger children with adults. (Have done that, and it did not last)

Sandy L., Nebraska

You have already had excellent replies to your question, but I want to just mention here that it is true that students and parents know at the outset that groups are fluid. In this very mixed group, the oldest adult was moving as quickly as the teen and the younger kids. Two other adults ended up moving to just a shared lesson with only the 2 of them, as their pace was much slower than the rest of the class. It is so helpful if everyone knows from the start that there could be changes to their group, depending on individual needs, including new people ready to move into their group.

The 2 adults were a bit sad to leave the kids, but they felt they would enjoy more success moving more slowly, and that was the correct choice. They all seemed to enjoy reuniting at my studio piano party/recital, and were as encouraging as ever to each other.

With various groups I have had, I have seen a blend of ages really enjoy each other. I have never had anyone resist being in a mixed-age group. I have always presented my classes as having a potential for mixed ages, and, so far, I have seen the different ages really inspire each other.

When Neil says we learn in groups in his training, I take that to the fullest extreme, I guess. Our first group ever, from birth on is a mixed-age family. We fully integrate into it, and in most circumstances, do all of our initial learning in it. Mixed ages can be a very fun dynamic. I have also noticed that it can bring in more fun with accompaniment as different people share what they like.

Not every teacher will find this kind of set-up right for them, but so far, it’s been fun for me.