As registration for 2027 opens, many parents ask us the same thing: should my child join a group class, or would private lessons be better?
There is no wrong answer. They do different jobs. Here is how I explain the difference to parents.
What private lessons do best
In a one to one lesson, the teacher hears every note your child plays. Problems with posture, breathing, tone or fingering get spotted and fixed straight away. The pace is set entirely around your child.
Private lessons are especially good for:
- Building individual technique and a good sound
- Preparing solo pieces, graded exams or auditions
- Students who are shy about playing in front of others at first
What a private lesson cannot give is the experience of playing with other musicians.
What a group band class does best
A wind instrument is made to be played with others. In a band, your child learns things that are hard to learn alone:
- Listening. Fitting their sound into the band, playing in tune with others and balancing their part.
- Keeping time with others. Following a conductor and holding their part steady.
- Reading new music. Bands go through a lot of music, so sight reading improves naturally.
- Confidence. Performing as part of a group is a gentler way to get used to the stage.
- Friendships. Many children stay with music because of the friends they make in band.
The trade off is less individual attention. In a group, the teacher cannot fix every small habit for every student.
Which suits your child?
If your child is a complete beginner. A small, well guided group class is a friendly way to start. Your child learns alongside others who are also new, and the teacher helps them pick an instrument that suits them. Our BAS Foundation Programme is built for this, for children aged 7 and above.
If your child already plays in a school band. School band rehearsals usually focus on the next school concert. Many students want more music to play and more chances to perform. An ensemble outside school gives them that. Adding some one to one coaching helps them fix individual habits faster. Our BAS Ensembles place students by playing ability, and Individual Coaching can be taken alongside.
If your child is preparing for DSA. One to one coaching on the audition pieces matters most, together with practice performing to a panel. See our DSA Preparation options.
If your child struggles to read new music. A musicianship class can help. Our Musicianship and Aural Class works on rhythm, sight singing and listening skills, then applies them to band music.
Why many students do both
In my experience, students who have a regular ensemble and some individual coaching improve the fastest. The private lessons build the skills. The ensemble gives them a reason to use those skills every week, with friends, on real music.
If you are unsure, start with one, see how your child responds over a term, and add the other when they are ready.
Questions to ask before you sign up for 2027
- Who is the teacher or conductor, and what is their experience?
- How are students grouped: by age or by playing ability?
- How many sessions are there in a term, and what happens if my child misses one?
- Will my child get chances to perform?
- Can my child try a lesson first?
At BAS, every new student can attend a free trial lesson before deciding.
Questions parents ask us
Is a group class or private lessons better for a beginner?
Both can work. Many beginners enjoy starting in a small, well guided group because they learn alongside others who are also new. Private lessons suit children who need more individual attention or want to move at their own pace.
Can my child do both a band class and private lessons?
Yes. Many of our students join an ensemble and take Individual Coaching as well. The coaching builds individual skills, and the ensemble gives them regular practice playing with others.
What age can my child start a band instrument at BAS?
We recommend the BAS Foundation Programme for children aged 7 and above. No experience is needed.
Can my child try a class first?
Yes. Every new student can attend a free trial lesson. Send us an enquiry or a WhatsApp message to arrange one.
