Scenario - new pupil, undecided whether to learn piano or keyboard so we spend the first lesson having a go at both. Second lesson - I provide tutor book and we get started with that as well as doing some other aural and playing by ear activities. Student misses third lesson and turns up to fourth lesson with no books, so we spend the time learning a duet by rote, student apparently enjoying the lesson. Later that week parent emails to say that student will not be continuing (apart from the next lesson).

Question - what the heck do I do in that last lesson? It isn?t as if there are any old favourites we can play - we never got as far as learning any! I?m a bit non-plussed as it seems as though there hasn?t been enough time for the pupil to give this a proper try. I?m surprised the parents aren?t encouraging their child to at least finish the term, having paid for the lessons. Never had this situation before?

Can you try to have a chat with mum on the phone to see if you can find out a bit more on the reason for giving up or whether lessons didn't meet their expectations or something? Three lessons is hardly anything to make a decision about continuing or not. As for the last lesson, next week presumably, I would revise/consolidate what you've done already with maybe another duet by ear.

I also would call and have a chat.

How old is this child ?

It'd be intersting to know exactly what's going on - child too young ? doesn't like it ? why not ? parents can't be bothered ?

As to the lesson, I'd treat it as one-off lesson - as you say, there's nothing to consolidate - and in that case I'd try and teach them a single 'party' piece show tune.

If it's a young child, I teach them chopsticks (Susan Paradis has a nice printed version with a keybaord diagram, no actual staves and notes). This is popular, fun and requires a feel for beat so it's a valid piece (all my beginners like learning it).

For an older child, often Beethoven's Ode to Joy is a good choice and can be learnt by rote in a single lesson with two basic left hand chords and sounds remarkably good considering the person 'can't' play.

It's nice if they have something to go away with (a duet doesn't really stand up alone).

Another duet?!
Or Something silly like William Tell or Happy Birthday..

I'd just wave them off with a sweet smile. You've probably had a lucky escape.

I get beginners every year who for whatever reason, only have 1, 2 or a handful of lessons then pack it in. I just had one yesterday at school who came to 1st lesson, was on holiday for 2nd lesson, and mum sent a note yesterday containing cash payment for the 1 lesson and saying she won't be continuing. She was a nice girl and seemed quite bright and musical. Don't take it personally! I blame their parents for encouraging them to try every hobby under the sun and commit to nothing. Just concentrate on those who DO stick it for a year or more: in my experience, the majority do.