TABLE 4.

Assessment preparation strategies for students choosing to defer.

Category	number	Sample response
Practice	12	I have had 5 zoom singing lessons and have been doing the exercises I have been set as well as sending my teacher videos of my songs for feedback
Practice less	3	I am practicing the material less frequently as I have a lot longer to wait. I also do not have access to an acoustic piano and practice on a keyboard, I’m told, is pretty ineffective for classical repertoire and may lead to bad habits that are not possible to replicate on a Steinway
Not practicing	1	I’ve deferred so I’m not currently preparing for it
Non-musical methods	3	I am now just looking over the scores/arrangements until a new date is set, at which point I’ll begin my 1-1 lessons again. I am working nights so am unable to sing during the day at home