972-722-6874

Why I Love Summer in Rockwall

02/25/2016

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Although the weather in Rockwall has been chilly and rainy, this week I’ve been busy planning for summer at the Rockwall School of Music.  Needless to say, it’s got me thinking about how much I love summer! I love the sunshine, the long days, and even the Texas heat.  If you’re anything like me, you might like to use your long summer days to be adventuresome!  It’s a great time for watersports, hiking, triathlons, and lots of other outdoor activities.  Summer is also the perfect time to explore something new, such as learning to play a musical instrument.  Sometimes those explorations can last just a short while; other times we may be surprised to discover a life-long passion.

My wife and I chose Rockwall for our music school because we think it is important to be a part of a community that values and celebrates music.  Last year the city of Rockwall marked its 161st birthday and it continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in Texas.  In 2015, the city offered more than 100 live music events, including the Jacinto Plaza Music Series and the Concerts by the Lake Series at the Harbor. Our Rockwall area public and private schools do a fantastic job of fostering our young musicians through orchestra, band, choir, and theatre programs.  Schools and other folks such as Rockwall Summer Musicals and the Rockwall Community Playhouse offer wonderful performances of local musicians and actors for audiences like us to hear and enjoy.  In Rockwall, music can be a vibrant and ever-changing experience for beginner and advanced players alike.

Summer can be the perfect time to take a leap into the great unknown.  If you’re ready to make that leap, I can help!  It’s my goal to be a conduit to a variety of musical opportunities for our local musicians. I encourage you to join other Rockwall residents this summer and learn to play a new instrument, double-down on your current endeavors, or connect with other musicians in the area and organize a band or ensemble group.  Learn something new alongside your children and you may discover that their interests become your interests.

Recently my own personal passion for music led me to organize a local children’s choir and to learn to play the cello.  Taking cello lessons as an adult has been an amazing way for me to develop more discipline, and I admit I have had some hurdles to overcome.  But it has also been a pure joy, and I have discovered how much I enjoy playing my cello every day.  In addition, I have the pleasure of playing each week with a small group of beginner string students at RSM who inspire and encourage each other.  With the knowledgeable guidance of cello instructor Adam Eason, we get to make beautiful music together.

If you think that being a part of our community of musicians could benefit you, I’d love to connect you with other like-minded people who can help you fulfill your musical goals this summer.  Give me a call anytime.

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

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...

63goodies
Fantastic facility, owners and programs! Extremely impressed!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We're thrilled you enjoyed our facility, owners, and programs. Your kind words mean a lot to our team. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Arron Wokal
Response from the owner:Thank you, Arron, for the wonderful 5-star rating. We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and are glad you had a great experience. We look forward to serving you again soon.
Kevin Hadawi
A community staple for decades. Truly the best around!
Response from the owner:Kevin, thank you so much for this wonderful review and for supporting us over the years. We’re honored to be a community staple and thrilled you think we’re the best. We look forward to serving you for many more years.
Becky Massey
Our daughter, who is now a college student at Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, took viola and guitar lessons for several years at RSoM, and did several vocal camps there in the summer. We loved her instructors, the family feel, and the quality of the school. It definitely was a major influence in shaping her musical journey!! We are so blessed to have this school in our community.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Becky — we are so grateful for your kind words. We’re thrilled RSoM played a role in your daughter’s musical journey and proud to hear she’s at the Jacobs School of Music. It means a lot that you appreciated our instructors, family atmosphere, and summer programs. We’re honored to be part of your community and wish her continued success.
Michael Criner
Excellent leadership that produce excellent students!! Highly recommend!!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Michael. We're delighted to hear you appreciate our leadership and the hard work our students do. Your recommendation means a lot to our team and motivates us to keep improving.
Kevin Fowler
Unsurpassed music education, quality instruction and integrity. Small businesses don’t last 30 years without doing something right. Rockwall School of Music is a Rockwall gem.
Response from the owner:Kevin, thank you so much for your kind words and for recognizing our 30 years of service. We're proud to provide high-quality instruction, integrity, and a welcoming environment for musicians of all ages. Your support means the world to our small business. We look forward to continuing to serve you and the Rockwall community.
John Beaman
Congrats to RSM's 30th anniversary! Great place with great people - absolutely love RSM!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you, John! We’re thrilled you enjoyed your experience and appreciate your congratulations on RSM’s 30th anniversary. Our team is proud to serve great customers like you and we look forward to many more years together. Your support means a lot to all of us.
Gary Smothermon
The Porters are first class and they run a first class school of music. Integrity counts in today’s business environment.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Gary — we truly appreciate your glowing review and kind words about the Porters and our school. Integrity and first-class music education are priorities for us, and your recognition means a great deal. We appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back.
Shey Stegall
Russ and Karen run a great business. A business that has been serving the community for 30 years!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the kind words, Shey. Russ and Karen appreciate your recognition of our 30 years serving the community. We’re grateful for your support and look forward to continuing to serve you.
David Vega
Rockwall School of Music has been an incredible part of our son's musical journey. The instructors are talented, supportive, and truly care about helping students reach their full potential.

Thanks in part to the training, encouragement, and opportunities he received through Rockwall School of Music, our son recently earned acceptance into the prestigious Butler School of Music at The University of Texas. We are grateful for the role the school played in helping him develop both his musical skills and confidence.

If you're looking for a place where students can grow, be challenged, and achieve their goals, I highly recommend Rockwall School of Music. The impact they have on young musicians is truly remarkable.
Response from the owner:Thank you, David, for your wonderful review and for trusting us with your son's musical education. We're thrilled he was accepted to the Butler School of Music at UT and proud to have played a part in his development. Our instructors truly care about helping students grow musically and personally, and your recognition means a lot to the whole team. We appreciate your recommendation and wish him continued success— we're always here to support his next steps.