Yes, group lessons are a wonderful alternative to individual lessons because they are not expensive and teach you the fundamentals of playing in a friendly group setting where you will meet others just like yourself who are wondering if they really want to study the piano.
1. Sources
Places to look for group lessons are:
a) Music stores, especially those selling sheet music or pianos.
b) County and local school district evening classes. These are usually very reasonable and are held in local schools or community centers and taught by teachers qualified to teach adult groups.
c) A large school/community center/music store will offer several levels of beginning group piano lessons and you may repeat sections you did not understand or move to higher beginning levels of study. Many of these centers have excellent faculties that teach privately as well.
d) Private teachers who have electronic laboratory studios and are trained in up-to-date group methods. They usually advertise in local papers or may be found through musical associations.
e) Summer sessions at conservatories and universities provide board, room and college credit, if desired, from renowned teachers with class and private lessons. These courses provide you with a large view of the piano world and you will hear noted performers and have access to university libraries.
f) Elderhostel courses for those fifty-five and over are held in universities as well as holiday venues in many countries. Some include group piano lessons. Catalogs, published quarterly, are sent to every US public library and are available also from Elderhostel, 75 Federal Street, Boston, Mass, 02110-1941, or phone (617) 426-8056. If you are on a limited income, scholarships are available. In the US inclusive week-long courses are $350-$400. International courses of two to three weeks are about $2,500 and include transportation, board, room and courses.
2. The Piano Laboratory
The group laboratory rooms will be equipped with five to ten pianos and headphones tied to a master piano controlled by the teacher. You will be able to hear your teacher, your own playing or everyone playing together. You will find your participation in this modern technological laboratory an exciting experience and much fun. You will become comfortable with an electronic keyboard, learn to read notes and play simple tunes.
3. Cautions
Learning to play an instrument well is dependent upon not only your natural ability, practice time and personal motivation, but also upon a teacher’s ability to guide you to use your hands in expert ways and to analyze each step of your interpretation into the beauty intended by each composer. Learning to play a musical instrument well is accomplished only through expert individualized teaching. In a group setting, this cannot be done. Habits of incorrect hand usage and interpretation of scores are difficult to eradicate. Thus, early in your studies, individualized attention to your abilities and needs is required. In music, the great teachers produce the great performers. Even if you have no intention of becoming a great performer, a fine teacher can help you avoid the physical pain of incorrect hand usage and lead you to beauty in even the simplest piece.