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City of Rockwall commemorates Rockwall School of Music’s 20-year anniversary

10/19/2016

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  • russ-karen_20th-anniversary-proclamationBLUE RIBBON NEWS (ROCKWALL, TX – Oct. 18, 2016) The City of Rockwall recognized a remarkable milestone for the Rockwall School of Music during a meeting of the city council on Monday, Oct. 17.

Rockwall Mayor Jim Pruitt read the following proclamation in honor of Rockwall School of Music’s 20-year anniversary serving residents of all ages in the county:

“Whereas for 20 years the Rockwall School of Music has been providing music instruction to more than 5,000 residents in Rockwall County and the surrounding communities; and

Whereas the Rockwall School of Music is the only school of music in Rockwall that provides private and small group music lessons to students of all ages in piano, guitar, voice, musical theatre, drums, bass, strings, woodwinds and brass; and

Whereas the Rockwall School of Music hires over 22 university-trained instructors annually, with multiple years of teaching experience; and

Whereas the Rockwall School of Music works closely with Rockwall ISD’s Fine Arts program to enhance their music education; and

Whereas the Rockwall School of Music brings music into the lives of more than 400 students annually while creating over 300 music-related jobs in our community for the past 20 years; and

Whereas students of the Rockwall School of Music find that the training received at RSM has prepared some for music degrees, some to become professional music instructors, many to become performers and others who have found music to be an outlet for their musical creativity.

Therefore I, Jim Pruitt, Rockwall mayor, do hereby proclaim Oct. 17, 2016 as Rockwall School of Music 20th Anniversary Celebration Day in the City of Rockwall, and encourage all citizens to applaud Rockwall School of Music’s successful implementation of being a creative musical treasure as available to all our residents, and join us in celebrating their noteworthy accomplishment in being with us for the last 20 years.”

Rockwall School of Music was voted Best Music Studio/Lessons in Living Magazine’s 2016 Readers Choice Awards. It’s 3,000 sq. ft. facility is located at 749 Justin Road (one block north of the new courthouse) comprises a dozen teaching studios – each a distraction-free zone with soundproof walls and solid doors with windows. Professional instructors share their passion and expertise in a supportive setting that welcomes beginning and experienced musicians alike.

For more information visit rockwallmusic.com/.

Story and photo by Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News editor / senior reporter.

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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...

Mojo Risen
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
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
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
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.