Here are some suggestions to make lessons successful for you!

Set Goals!

Weekly Goals One of the first keys to successful lessons is to appreciate the small victories. Every week! Every time you put your hands on your instrument you make progress, whether you can see it or not.

Your weekly assignments are actually weekly goals. Every time you play a new song, finger exercise, or just a couple of measures – you’ve succeeded!

Be Responsible

Attend every lesson—even if you haven’t been able to practice much. Bring your books and materials every week.

Be Honest– Tell your teacher when you don’t understand something. Don’t just sit and nod (thinking that you’ll go home and figure it out on your own). It’s really OK! Your teacher wants you to understand! He/she will be happy to explain differently.

Have a Great Attitude

Be Teachable. Be willing to listen and accept instruction and correction. This tip is true for everyone, young and old.
We find that adults – who are used to making decisions for themselves every day – have the hardest time adjusting to being a student again.

Enjoy not having to decide for yourself. Trust your teacher. You will learn more quickly and more successfully.

Have Fun

Just Play! Don’t just do your assigned work. Sit down at your instrument, without books or music, and just noodle around. Find a musical sentence in your hands that sounds good. Just go with it. Don’t censor yourself- just play! (And by the way – that’s all there is to composing!)

I can guarantee your teacher wants you to enjoy your lessons, and enjoy learning to play. Your teacher is your coach and one of your biggest fans! They want you to succeed!

Be Honest

Tell your teacher when you don’t understand something. Don’t just sit and nod (thinking that you’ll go home and figure it out on your own). It’s really OK! Your teacher wants you to understand! He/she will be happy to explain differently.

S M
1 week 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
2 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.