You count them in, point at the accidental, and give a small nod before the entrance. The student plays the passage. At home, apparently, it never goes that well.

It can be hard to notice how much help you've been giving. In the next attempt, sit back and hear which parts the student can organize without you.

Notice the prompts

Do you always supply the starting note? Tap the pulse? Remind them about a fingering just before they need it? None of those is a bad teaching tool. But try removing one and see what happens.

Tell the student what you're doing: “This time, I'd like you to get ready and start when you're ready. I'll listen.” Give them enough time to think. Jumping in after a second can turn an ordinary pause into another moment they expect you to handle.

If they get stuck, find the particular step that needs work. It may be starting the task rather than playing the passage.

Practice the setup too

Ask the student to find the starting place, choose a suitable tempo, and decide how to count in. Have them explain what they'll listen for on the first attempt.

For a tricky rhythm, let them choose whether to count, clap, or try it on one note first. If the choice is too broad, offer two sensible options and ask which they want to try.

Then let them carry out the plan. Save your comments until they've had a chance to say what worked and what didn't.

Leave room for a repair

When something breaks, wait long enough to see whether the student notices. Ask where they would restart and what they would change.

If they don't know, model one repair and have them try the process themselves. You can still teach directly. The difference is that they get a turn doing the thinking afterward.

Choose a small home assignment they can begin, check, and adjust. Write the steps down and have them demonstrate before packing up. If they still need a reminder at every turn, simplify the plan.

At the next lesson, ask them to show you how they practiced before you offer help. You'll hear more about what they can do on their own than you will from another carefully guided run-through.