972-722-6874

Add a Little Variety to Your Practice Routine

10/12/2015

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One of my favorite professors in college was lecturing on the various ways a teacher can teach different concepts to their students when one of my fellow classmates asked, “Which of these teaching techniques is the least effective way of teaching?” We each waited with baited breath to hear what he would say. His answer stunned us because it was so simple and yet so enlightening. He replied, “The method you use all the time becomes the least effective method.” He went on to explain that no matter how fresh and innovative a teaching method is, when used over and over it can become less and less effective.

I believe the same can be said for how a music student practices their musical instrument. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut by practicing in the exact same way every time– adding variety to your practice routine can help keep things interesting!  Each week, a student is expected to complete specific practice assignments from their teacher, but they can approach their assignments in a different way each time.

To help with this, I have designed our unique and Exclusive RSM Weekly Practice Plan, called the 10 X 10 Plan For Success. Each day the lesson, technique, theory, and rhythm assignments are emphasized along with additional bonus tips to help develop the many skills needed to become a well-rounded musician.  Try it out! To see a sample of this practice plan, go here: 10 x 10 Plan for Success

Good luck! I hope this information will help you jump-start your practice time at home and allow you to energize the way you learn. Routines are helpful but being locked into a rut can remove the joy from your music.  Let’s help keep the music alive by keeping it interesting!  See you soon—

Serving you with integrity and gratitude,

Russ Porter, Ambassador for the Arts

Director, Rockwall School of Music

749 Justin Rd, Rockwall, TX 75087

972-722-6874  |  www.rockwallmusic.com

 

 

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ROCKWALL, TX (June 3, 2026) — A milestone three decades in the making was celebrated at Monday night’s Rockwall City Council meeting as Russ and Karen Porter, owners of Rockwall School of Music, were presented with an official proclamation declaring June 9, 2026, as...

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We’re still beaming with excitement and gratitude—and we couldn’t wait to share the news with our wonderful Rockwall community! Karen and I are absolutely thrilled to announce that Rockwall School of Music has been honored with the Award of Excellence from the Music...

S M
2 weeks ago
We love this place ! My little one can't wait until her next lesson, and she is learning quite fast! -3 years later update: Still here, still love it!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for that awesome 5 star review. I greatly appreciate your kind words. We love having your daughter as part of our community of musicians.
Aysun
2 weeks ago
Fantastic educators and an excellent system for newcomers. We really enjoy this place.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Aysun! We’re delighted our educators and newcomer program have made your experience excellent. It’s wonderful to know you enjoy being here. We look forward to continuing to support you and welcome you back anytime.
Amy Jerina
3 weeks ago
Rockwall School of Music is a fantastic organization! My daughter has been going on and off, as her schedule permits for several years. They are always very accommodating and the staff are always so kind!! They offer recitals so the students can showcase what they have learned and to help them get used to performing in front of people. My daughter has had many instructors, and she has enjoyed every single one of them!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Amy. We’re so glad Rockwall School of Music has been a great fit for your daughter over the years. It’s wonderful to hear she’s enjoyed our instructors, benefits from the recitals, and appreciates our flexible scheduling. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to many more musical milestones with her.
Mojo Risen
1 month ago
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the 5-star rating, Mojo Risen. We're thrilled you had a great experience and appreciate your support. We look forward to welcoming you back soon and are here if you need anything.
Rafael Alvarez
2 months ago
If you want to get in to music Best place .
Response from the owner:Thanks so much for the great review, Rafael. We're thrilled you think we're the best place to get into music and look forward to supporting your musical journey. If you need anything, stop by or contact us anytime.
Eva Mackey Meyrat
2 months ago
We are so lucky to have Rockwall School of Music in Rockwall. It’s a great resource for both adults and children. My daughter took vocal lessons for many years and really enjoyed it!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Eva! We’re so glad you feel lucky to have Rockwall School of Music and that your daughter enjoyed her vocal lessons for so many years. We strive to be a valuable resource for both adults and children, and your kind words mean a lot. We look forward to supporting your family’s musical journey for years to come.
Ling Zeng
2 months ago
Response from the owner:Thank you, Ling, for the 5-star rating! We're thrilled you had a great experience and appreciate your support. We look forward to serving you again soon. Please visit us anytime.
David Schwoebel
2 months ago
I counted it one of life's richest blessings to have known Russ and Karen Porter for over 45 years as a church musician and music educator. Through the years of master degree classes and recitals, local church music ministry, and now a wonderfully successful and meaningful business adventure, I have witnessed them to be genuine and caring people serving others in so many kind, encouraging and admirable ways. The fact that The Rockwall School of Music has been acknowledged by the City of Rockwall as such an integral and valued part of the community does not surprise me as, "Organizations reflect their leadership!" Congrats to Russ and Karen and the RSM staff for providing solid music education and lessons to their students in such a refreshing and needed way in today's world! Now onto the next 30 years...!
Response from the owner:David, thank you for your generous and heartfelt words and for your 45 years of friendship and support for Russ and Karen. We are honored that The Rockwall School of Music has been part of your life and of our community, and your recognition of our staff and leadership means a great deal. We look forward to continuing to provide meaningful music education and to the next 30 years together.
Mohanan Thankachan
2 months ago
Response from the owner:Thank you, Mohanan, for the 5-star rating! We appreciate your support and are glad you had a great experience. We look forward to serving you again soon. If there’s anything we can do for you, please let us know.
Benjamin Sumrak
3 months ago
As a Fine Arts Director, I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand how music transforms lives, shapes character, and builds community. It is with immense joy and the utmost respect that I congratulate Russ Porter and his phenomenal team at the Rockwall School of Music on their incredible 30-year anniversary. Three decades in business is a monumental achievement, but what truly sets Rockwall School of Music apart is how they have spent those years. For 30 years, they have been a cornerstone of creativity in our community, consistently providing top-tier private music lessons to students of all ages and skill levels. While their programs enrich our entire community, their impact on our younger students is truly unparalleled. Russ and his faculty don’t just teach notes on a page; they cultivate confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love for the arts. The foundational skills and passion they instill in our youth seamlessly complement and elevate our local school music programs, creating a stronger, more vibrant cultural landscape for all of Rockwall. "Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything." — Plato For 30 years, Rockwall School of Music has been giving our community those wings. Thank you, Russ, and the entire staff, for your unwavering dedication, your investment in our children, and your continued commitment to musical excellence. Here’s to the next 30 years of inspiring harmony in Rockwall!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Mr. Sumrak. It's been such a pleasure working with you and the superb leadership you provide the Fine Arts Division of our school district. We complement each other's programs extremely well and it's an honor to call you a friend and supporter of the Fine Arts in Rockwall.