What to do when a student has barely practised

Begin with curiosity when a student has barely practised. The next useful step depends on what prevented them from starting.

Find the obstacle

Ask: “Did you know what to do, have time to start, and have access to the music and instrument?” These questions distinguish confusion from a difficult week.

Try the task together

Ask the learner to show the first thirty seconds of their intended practice. If they cannot begin, simplify the instruction or find the missing resource.

Reduce the next step

Agree one short action: “After your next lesson, play the first two bars once and choose the join to work on.” A small completed start is more useful than another unrealistic schedule.

Preserve the relationship

Do not turn missing platform activity into a claim that the learner made no effort. They may have practised elsewhere or struggled without knowing how to ask.

End with a clear plan and a way to report difficulty. Review what happened at the next lesson before increasing the workload.

Use a five-minute practice menu.