Group lessons usually involve five or more students, often playing digital pianos while using headsets. They are recommended for beginners who have no prior knowledge of music. They're a less expensive way to find out how much a child will take to piano, as well. Students usually advance to individual instruction after a certain time in group lessons. Individual lessons tend to use acoustic pianos.
Location also affects price.
Lessons in Ann Arbor, for instance, will likely cost more than those in Wayne, Detroit or smaller, mid-Michigan towns and suburbs. Teachers have different approaches, but most piano instruction advances in levels, from Level 1 to Level 8. Books are labeled according to levels, but teachers often recommend additional books or songs tailored to specific student abilities and tastes. For example, most music stores recommend that teachers have either music degrees or music teaching certification. Schoolcraft College, for instance, offers a piano teachers certification program.