One of the questions we hear most often from parents is: “Should my child take private music lessons or join a group music class?”
The answer may surprise you…There isn’t a wrong choice!
Both private lessons and group classes help children develop confidence, creativity, discipline, and a lifelong love of music. In fact, many of our students participate in both, because each offers unique benefits that complement one another.
If you’re trying to decide which option is the best fit for your child this fall, here’s a simple guide to help.
Group Music Classes Are a Great Fit For...
Group classes are ideal for students who love learning alongside others and enjoy the energy of making music together.
They are especially beneficial for:
- Young beginners who are just starting their musical journey.
- Students who enjoy making friends and working as part of a team.
- Children who love to sing, move, perform, and express themselves creatively.
- Students who want to explore music before committing to private lessons on a specific instrument.
- Performers interested in choir, musical theater, show choir, or other ensemble experiences.
- Students who already take private lessons and want additional opportunities to perform and collaborate with other musicians.
Beyond learning musical skills, group classes help students build confidence, teamwork, leadership, listening skills, and friendships that often last well beyond the classroom.
Private Music Lessons Are a Great Fit For...
Private lessons provide personalized instruction designed around each student’s individual goals, learning style, and pace.
They are especially beneficial for:
- Students who benefit from one-on-one instruction.
- Musicians who want to focus on learning a specific instrument or voice.
- Students preparing for auditions, competitions, school ensembles, or solo performances.
- Musicians looking to strengthen technique, music reading, and overall musicianship.
- Adults beginning—or returning to—their musical journey.
- Students considering a future in music performance or music education.
Because every lesson is individualized, students receive focused instruction that helps them continually grow and achieve their personal musical goals.
Why Many Families Choose Both
One of the best-kept secrets in music education is that private lessons and group classes work incredibly well together.
Private lessons allow students to build strong musical skills and receive individualized feedback, while group classes give them exciting opportunities to apply those skills through collaboration, creativity, teamwork, and performance.
Together, they create a well-rounded musical education that keeps students motivated, challenged, and excited to continue learning.
Fall Group Music Registration Is Now Open!
Whether your child is brand new to music or ready for their next musical adventure, our Fall 2026 group classes offer something for every young musician.
Intro to Music (Ages 6–8 & 8–10)
Perfect for curious beginners, this semester-based class introduces students to rhythm, note reading, music terminology, recorder, and Orff instruments through engaging, hands-on activities. Students build new skills each week while preparing for exciting performances at our December and June concerts.
Available Classes
- Ages 6–8: Saturdays @ 10:00–10:30 AM
- Ages 8–10: Mondays @ 6:30–7:00 PM
- Ages 8–10: Saturdays @ 10:30–11:00 AM
Intro to Piano (Ages 6–8 & 8–10)
Designed specifically for beginning pianists, this class helps students learn keyboard fundamentals, read music, and play recognizable songs in a fun, encouraging group environment. Each semester introduces new music and progressively builds students’ confidence at the piano.
Available Classes
- Ages 6–8: Mondays @ 7:00–7:30 PM
- Ages 6–8: Saturdays @ 11:00–11:30 AM
- Ages 8–10: Mondays @ 7:30–8:00 PM
- Ages 8–10: Saturdays @ 11:30 AM–12:00 PM
Glee Pop Choir (Grades 3–6)
For students who love to sing and perform, Glee Pop Choir introduces beginning vocal technique, simple choreography, stage presence, and teamwork in a fun, welcoming environment. Students prepare two exciting performances each semester while building confidence and making new friends through music.
Class Time: Thursdays @ 6:30–7:00 PM
Ready to Get Started?
No matter where your child is on their musical journey, we’d love to help them discover the joy of making music.
Whether they thrive in the personalized attention of private lessons, the excitement of learning with friends in a group class, or a combination of both, APA has a program designed to help them grow in confidence, creativity, and musicianship.
Click HERE to learn more about our Fall music programs and reserve your child’s spot today!
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Tiffany Sullivan
APA Music Director