Chuck Pangburn

08/18/2011

Getting to know your instructor:

Chuck Pangburn, known by his students as Mr. Chuck or Mr. Pangburn. He began receiving lessons in 1964, “just about the time the Beatles played the 3 shows on Ed Sullivan”.
Chuck knew that music would be a significant part of his life when “at his first competition his band won the 7th grade talent show competition”.
Chuck Pangburn is currently in his ninth year as guitar instructor at the Rockwall School of Music. Mr. Pangburn provides over 30 years of teaching experience. He specializes in instruction for all levels. From beginners to advanced players, Mr. Pangburn covers all music styles including Jazz, Classical, Rock, Country and Christian. Mr. Pangburn studied under the great Jack Petersen who established the guitar department at Berklee College of Music and of UNT fame. Mr. Chuck was the Director of Jazz Guitar and Electric Bass at Dallas’ premiere Arts Magnet High School – Booker T. Washington School for the Performing Arts for 31 years. Chuck has instructed many students who through their education were recognized as DownBeat winners, many have since been recipients of Grammy awards.
Pangburn was among the faculty of the Arts Magnet High School – Booker T. Washington School for the Performing Arts recognized for outstanding commitment to music education when they were awarded the prestigious Grammy Award as a Gold Grammy Signature School. In addition, Chuck’s students at the Arts Magnet have performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival from 2001 – 2005.
A DFW native, Mr. Pangburn has also been a guitar instructor at Eastfield College, Mountain View College, Brook Mays and Pangburn Studios. Pangburn’s experience includes the production and direction of many guitar shows, ensembles, concerts and master classes. He has written and arranged thousands of chord solos, seven of which have won DownBeat awards. He has performed professionally at a variety of events including the Crystal Charity Ball, the Houston Rodeo, Jazz Festivals and a performance for the President of the United States. He has recorded several CDs, demos and jingles.
Pangburn has authored several chord solo books and invented the Chord Grid System, a revolutionary system that enables guitarists to read and play chord solos with ease. In addition, he encourages students to learn jazz chords and created the Chord Voicing System that includes voicing for eight of the commonly used chord forms.
“The greatest experience in my life was taking private lessons from Jack Petersen for 4.5 years”.
Mr. Pangburn’s students can expect “a very structured approach to learning, reading, open string chords, bar chords and theory. Students should have their homework every week in a binder and well organized.”

City Proclaims June 9 as Rockwall School of Music Day

City Proclaims June 9 as Rockwall School of Music Day

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...

Rockwall School of Music Receives National Award of Excellence!

Rockwall School of Music Receives National Award of Excellence!

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...

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Congratulations on 30 years of music 🎶 this is a huge milestone and worth celebrating!!! Thank you for your dedication and positive impact on Rockwall.
Response from the owner:Amanda, thank you so much for celebrating our 30-year milestone with such kind words! We're honored to have been part of Rockwall's music scene and grateful for supporters like you. Your encouragement inspires us to keep creating and giving back to the community.
Rockwall School of Music is amazing! They truly care about helping their students succeed in learning music. They have teachers who can teach you any instrument. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Thank you, William, for the wonderful five-star review. We’re thrilled our caring teachers have helped you succeed and that you appreciate our ability to teach many instruments. Your recommendation means a lot to our team. We look forward to supporting your musical journey and hope to see you at future lessons or recitals.
The Rockwall School of Music is an amazing place for the music community in and around Rockwall! The staff is polite, educated and completely dialed for a perfect experience. We LOVE the location! Please don't ever leave our community!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Victor, for those affirming words of encouragement. The heart-felt sentiment is greatly appreciated.
The best place and school for music learning and passion! Rockwall School of Music is a forever staple and I'm grateful for their 30 year anniversary celebration!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much Dr. Tamez for that incredible affirmation of our business and our anniversary.
Rockwall School of Music is a blessing to the community and everyone it serves. They care about every student and helping them progress towards their goals. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Joshua, thank you so much for your kind words and recommendation. We’re thrilled to hear Rockwall School of Music has been a blessing and that our team is helping students progress toward their goals. We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to serve the community and your musical journey.