972-722-6874

Adult Music Lessons

We have students of ALL ages, including adults. Our flexible schedules allow for you to take lessons on your lunch break or after work. It’s never too late to make your dreams a reality. Our teachers will work with you on your specific goals and will take into account if you’re a new beginner, self-taught, or taken lessons before.

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.

Ling Zeng
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
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
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
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.
Sarah Naylor
What an amazing business in Rockwall that has excelled for THIRTY years!! That feat is almost incomprehensible but understanding that the owners are truly giving people that live to serve their community explains how they’ve been so necessary and revered. Here’s to many more years in operation and even more lives changed through music!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Sarah, for your wonderful words and for celebrating our 30-year milestone with us. We’re honored to serve the Rockwall community and to help change lives through music. Your support and encouragement mean the world to our owners and staff. We look forward to many more years of making music together.
Dana Macalik
The Best in Rockwall. Rockwall School of Music is professionals.., has talented, caring instructors and team members who genuinely care about their students and experiences. Dana K Macalik.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Dana, for the wonderful review and high praise. We're thrilled our instructors and team have made a positive impact and appreciate you recognizing their talent, care, and professionalism. We look forward to continuing to support your musical journey.
vance Rowan
Rockwall school of Music for everyone and if nobody nows About Music. Music can save your life and world

I thank the staff the people is so nice and I thank you for that. Thank to Rockwall school of Music for given me this home I have Music now back into my life
Response from the owner:Thanks, Vance. We love having you as a student and so impressed with the progress you have made.
Kyle Hiller
To everyone at Rockwall School of Music, Happy 30th Anniversary!!! Russ Porter is just amazing and they are the absolute best music school you will find!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Kyle, for your support through the years and for the kind words.
Brad Rountree
Congratulations on serving the Rockwall and Greater Dallas area for 30 years - providing musical instruction at the highest level. The musical world is a better place because of the artistic instruction that goes on weekly at the Rockwall School of Music.

It is a privilege to recommend the Rockwell School of Music to all those seeking a place to learn, polish, and enhance their musical skills. I have know the owners, Russ and Karen Porter, since our college days in the School of Music at Ouachita Baptist University and then at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

A few years ago I also became a student at The Rockwall School of Music when for Christmas my wife, Rhonda, bought me a violin and purchased lessons for me at the school. It was a treat to go back into the practice room and begin to learn a new musical instrument. Their musical legacy in Rockwall is second to none - with hundreds of students, young and old, taking lessons each week.

Bravo! Rockwall School of Music!

Brad Rountree - Worship Pastor
New Liberty Baptist Church
Garland, Texas
Response from the owner:Thank you, my friend, for those kind words. Having someone speak to our business from several different perspectives is such a blessing to read. Thank you again.
Wendy Cottingham
We love Rockwall School of Music! Congratulations on 30 wonderful years of bringing safe, competent and FUN music lessons to the community. The owners, Russ and Karen, care so much for their students, staff and community.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Wendy, for the post celebrating our 30th anniversary and speaking to the level of music education we strive to provide.