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Rockwall School of Music’s Exclusive Weekly Practice Plan: The 10 X 10 Plan For Success

10/12/2015

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Rockwall School of Music’s Exclusive Weekly Practice Plan

The 10 X 10 Plan For Success

Designed by Russ Porter

GOAL: To improve 10% each week by improving 1% in each of the following 10 areas

Day 1: Make a video recording of your first weekly practice session as you practice items 1-3:

  1. Lesson assignments
  2. Technique assignments
  3. Music Theory and Rhythm

Day 2: Repeat items 1-3 and add:

  1. Sight-reading (Tip – Look at the next lesson assignment and try to play it from start to finish without stopping.)
  2. Memorization (This may be only a small portion of one of your current assigned songs or can be part or all of a song that you learned in the previous weeks.)

Day 3: Repeat items 1-3 and add:

  1. Listen to or view other performers via YouTube (with parent supervision)
  2. Apply musicianship and artistry to your practice time by emphasizing the musical markings placed in your music by the composer/arranger or any suggestions made by your instructor.

Day 4: Repeat items 1-3 and add:

  1. Create/compose your own song (Tip- You can start out by creating your own melody or using the melody from one of your current or previous songs and change the way it is played to reflect your personality and your style.)
  2. Stump the Teacher with your Musical Knowledge (Seek out one unique bit of information regarding the composer/arranger of one of your assigned songs or the time period in which the piece was composed. Share that information with your instructor at your next lesson.)

Day 5: Make a second video recording of your last weekly practice session.

Compare the video made on day 1 with the video at the end of the week and see how far you’ve come in just one week!

Don’t forget to share your successes with your parent and your teacher!

Perform one of your pieces using your best performance etiquette for a friend or family member.

Tip 1: Never leave your practice time unhappy. Save your favorite musical assignment for that day and do it last. This will serve as a ‘reward’ for the hard work that you have put into your practice.

Tip 2: Try making a game out of one of the assignments for the day. For example: Play the ‘opposite game’ with one of your songs. If the music calls for the song to be played softly, play it loud. If it calls for the song to be played slowly, play it fast. If it calls for the song to be played in the middle register of the instrument, play it higher or lower. Adding variety to your routine allows you to experience different ways of interpreting the music that you are learning. It also makes it more like fun!

Rockwall School of Music Receives National Award of Excellence!

Rockwall School of Music Receives National Award of Excellence!

Apr 15, 2025 |

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...

Rafael Alvarez
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.
Britney W
My son loved Blake as his teacher for drum lessons! He was fun and seemed amazing with kids. He was motivational and we will miss him teaching at the school. However, we are very excited to continue lessons with Michael! He seems very great at what he does as well and equally amazing!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Britney. We're thrilled your son enjoyed lessons with Blake and that Blake was fun and motivating with kids. We’ll let Blake know he’ll be missed and are excited Michael is continuing lessons; he’s an excellent teacher and we’re glad he’s a great fit. Please reach out anytime if you need scheduling help or have questions.
Elizabeth Wilson
We have had such an incredible experience at Rockwall School of Music!! Everyone is so wonderful from the sweet girls in the front (Darcy and Ashlyn) to the fantastic teachers (Stuart and Tara). We love this place!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Elizabeth! We’re thrilled Darcy, Ashlyn, Stuart, and Tara made your experience so positive and that you love our school. We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to help your family grow musically.
Anish alex mathew
Mr. Julian Mileski is an exceptional teacher who has inspired our children not only to grow as pianists, but also to develop as musicians. His dedication, encouragement, and expert guidance continually motivate his students to achieve excellence and reach their full potential. We are truly grateful to Mr. Julian and Rockwall School of Music for the positive impact they have had on our children’s musical journey.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Anish, for your wonderful review and for trusting Mr. Julian Mileski and Rockwall School of Music with your children’s musical development. We are thrilled to hear Julian’s dedication and guidance have inspired and motivated your children to grow as pianists and musicians. Your kind words mean a great deal to us and motivate our whole team to continue providing excellent instruction. We look forward to supporting their continued progress and musical success.
Kelsey Oudshoorn-Lynn
I’ve loved teaching here. The owners are very kind and make the teachers feel special and they give us opportunities to learn. The students are great, too.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words, Kelsey. We’re thrilled you enjoy teaching here and appreciate how the owners support and invest in our team. Your dedication to our students and enthusiasm for learning make a real difference, and we’re grateful to have you with us.
Perla Vazquez
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the 5-star rating, Perla! We appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Andy Burgos
I been in these class since 2 years ( I think). And so far, I'm really glad I'm learning to play the piano. Thanks to the teacher, Michael for helping me throughout the lesson. I know that I'm not that easy, and I get nervous. But I'm glad I'm learning to play the piano.
Thank you.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for being with our classes these past two years and for the kind words. We're thrilled Michael has been able to support you through your lessons and help you grow even when you feel nervous. Your dedication really shows, and we're so glad you're enjoying learning the piano. We look forward to continuing to support your progress.
Jennifer Cawthon
Excellent school for music lessons and teachers are all fantastic! My grandson has been going for years!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Jennifer! We're thrilled your grandson has been with us for years and that our teachers have made such a positive impact. We appreciate your support and look forward to many more years of music together.
Julian Mileski
Response from the owner:Thank you, Julian, for the five-star review! We’re thrilled you had a great experience and appreciate your support. We look forward to serving you again soon.
S Zac
My son has attended here since elementary school and he is now in high school. Teachers here are outstanding!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback, Zac. We’re honored your son has been with us since elementary school and are proud our teachers have made a positive impact as he progresses to high school. We appreciate your continued trust and support.