How to Plan a Group Class
I’ve been holding group classes in my studio for years and have tried tons of different ideas. Some have worked really well. Others have bombed. 
The group classes I offer are in addition to the regular weekly lessons and students can opt to participate or not. I might have anywhere from 5-25 students taking part in any given group class, so I’m never quite sure what to expect when I’m planning! Here is a basic overview of how I go about planning each class:
1. Select a Topic - Typically this will have something to do with our theme for the year or with a specific area in which I think my students need some extra instruction or reinforcement. For example, right now I’m working on a group class for “The Symphony Orchestra.”
2. Vigorous Self-Education - This is a term I came across in one of the self-publishing books I read this summer, but the principle is one I’ve been applying for a long time. I start by researching the topic as extensively as I can - checking out books from the library, looking up sites on-line, perusing lesson plans and activity ideas from other teachers, etc. I love learning new things and have found this to be a great way to increase my knowledge and understanding of different areas and then pass it on to my students in a fun and creative way!
3. Brainstorm - I grab my trusty spiral notebook and just start writing down every idea that comes to mind. My notes are extremely random and would probably be incoherent to anyone else who attempted to read them, but eventually my thought process becomes more organized and I’m able to pull together some workable plans.
4. List Class Objectives - Some of the objectives are general (e.g. learn about the instruments of the orchestra); others are more specific in nature (e.g. be able to identify each instrument by sight and assign it to the correct family). I always start with “Have Fun!” because I don’t want to lose sight of that emphasis as I get into all the other planning. Every class also includes time for student performances since one of my primary goals is to give students a chance to play their pieces for and listen to each other.
5. Create an Outline - Break down the time frame into smaller time segments and determine what activities will take place during each time segment. I usually begin with an ice-breaker/intro game of some sort to introduce the topic and/or help the students feel at-ease. It’s also good to avoid large chunks of time devoted to a single activity. I usually separate the performances into two or three different time segments with an activity or game in between each one. Here is the outline I worked up for the upcoming Symphony Orchestra group class:
6:00-6:05 Welcome
6:05-6:15 Introduction to Instruments and their Families
6:15-6:25 Case of the Missing Instruments #1
6:25-6:35 Performances #1
6:35-6:45 Case of the Missing Instruments #2
6:45-6:55 Performances #2
6:55-7:05 Case of the Missing Instruments #3
7:05-7:15 Performances #3
7:15-7:25 Case of the Missing Instruments #4
7:25-7:30 Identify false clue and figure out mystery word, eat snack, hand out worksheets
6. Make Lists - I keep several running lists so that I can hopefully avoid overlooking any important details. “Things To-Do”, “Things To Take”, “Resources Used”, etc. All of these are bullet point lists that are a part of the whole lesson plan document so that everything is easy to find!
7. Communicate - Talk about the class a lot leading up to the event, discuss with each student what they want to perform, send e-mail reminders to the parents, post a sign-up sheet in the studio and have students sign up if they plan to attend. Early on I made the mistake of assuming that because the event was listed on my studio calendar, that was sufficient. But now I use lots of different means of communication to hype up the events and encourage students and parents to attend.
Regardless of how many students do or don’t attend, refuse to be discouraged and instead put all your energy into making it a great time for those who are there. They will love it and you’ll have students looking forward to the next group class all year long!
Hi Natalie,
Thanks for the ideas. They sound really wonderful.
Are these classes are for students and parents also?
I have only held performance classes but haven’t tried other topics.
I guess this is also bonus at your studio that students don’t need to pay additional fee?
I am always afraid that if it’s free, people will feel it’s ok not to attend since they won’t lose anything. However, despite that I charge a fee for group classes, people still missed them!
I guess your families are more honorable.
Lydia
Hi Natalie!
Do have trouble with your students coming to their normal lesson and then not wanting to come at a different time for a group lesson?
With life’s busy pace, I haven’t been able to sell the idea to enough people to start a group lesson class. How did you introduce this to your students (and more importantly their parents?)
I think it would be a great idea, though.
Thanks so much for your site. It helps me tremendously.
Karen
Hi Lydia!
The classes are for the students, but parents are always welcome to sit in and observe if they would like. When I do the classes at the studio, it’s a bit more crowded, so parents rarely sit in. But when I use our church building a lot of the parents like to observe.
That’s correct, the class is included in the regular tuition fee. I just bill it as a perk for being in my studio. Plus, as a business owner, I am always looking for ways to give my “clients” better value for their money.
Of course, not everyone shows up to every group class, but I try to get over it and just put in my best effort for whoever does attend. A lot of times the trick is to get them to come once. Usually they have so much fun that they really want to come to the classes after that. I know it’s different in every studio, though, so you may have to try some creative alternatives to see what works best in your studio. I’m sure you’ll figure out something that will work for you and your students, Lydia!
Karen~
Good questions. I haven’t ever had anyone complain about having the group class in addition to their regular lesson. If it was an issue, I would probably just offer that they could come to the group lesson that week if they would prefer. I do know that some teachers offer/require students to attend a group class in lieu of a private lesson every six weeks or so throughout the year.
I’ve done periodic group classes for a long time just as a fun get-together/learning experience. But I started holding them regularly throughout the year a couple years ago when I launched my Let’s Have A Ball theme. I looked back through my newsletters and this is the exact wording I used to introduce the idea:
“The theme for this year is “Let’s Have a Ball! …becoming a well-rounded musician.” Throughout the year I’ll be holding six Musical Balls: A Fall Ball, A Thanksgiving Ball, A Christmas Ball, A Mid-Winter Ball, A Spring Ball and A Grand Finale Ball (see enclosed events sheet and studio calendar for specific dates). The Christmas Ball and Grand Finale Ball will be open to family and friends who want to attend the performances and join in on the fun! These Musical Balls will provide an opportunity for students to get together, play pieces they’ve been working on, and have a great time! I have seen how motivating it is (for myself and my students!) to have a specific opportunity to prepare and work toward, so I’m really looking forward to trying this new idea that will keep all of us on our toes all year long!”
It was so obvious by the end of that year that the regular events had helped all of us improve our performance skills that I’ve continued to hold regular events ever since and usually get a pretty good turnout for each one.
It’s definitely been a learning process, but I highly recommend it! Even if you start small - with only a handful of students - those students will benefit and you can post pictures, talk about it, etc. and generate more enthusiasm for the next time. Eventually it will just become part of your studio identity and no one would have it any other way!
I guess these “balls” were held at the church building? I have a small child. Whenever I have a studio recital, it is a big deal. Though my space can accommodate 30 or so chairs, I always hold the reception in my yard. Our kitchen is just too small for any entertainment.
With these balls, do you also serve food? or is it just a class with goody bag or treats?
I’d love to start some group classes going, but it’s really hard for a small studio with mostly little children! Their parents will not have lesson time later than 5pm, let alone a group class beginning at 6:30pm. Not to mention that they probably have younger siblings that need parents’ attention so they can’t come out.
I love reading about your ideas and classes though. Someday, somehow I will have my group class
Hi Lydia!
Yes, I do hold some of the “ball” or, as they are being called this year, “Private Eye Workshops” at my church. Others are held at my studio.
I just serve a snack of some sort - if I can, I try to think of something that corresponds to the theme. But that doesn’t always happen, so I revert to pretzels, popcorn, candy or something like that! I always save that for right at the end so that I don’t have to deal with food issues during the class.
You might consider taking a survey to find out what times your studio families would be available to come to a group class. Perhaps a Saturday morning would work better than a weekday evening…
I’m sure you will get something figured out!