Rockwall School of Music Receives National Award of Excellence!

04/15/2025

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 Academy Success organization! This prestigious recognition was presented during last week’s national conference, and out of hundreds of music schools across the U.S. and Canada, only 15 were chosen for this incredible distinction. To be named among them is both humbling and energizing!

What This Award Means

The Award of Excellence is more than just a title—it represents a celebration of exceptional growth, innovation, and musical achievement. It acknowledges music schools that are not only expanding in size but also evolving in the quality and creativity of their programs. From introducing new instruments and lesson formats to finding fresh ways to connect with students and families, this award highlights music schools that are raising the bar in every possible way.

To be recognized on this national stage confirms something we’ve always believed deep in our hearts: music changes lives, and when a community supports the arts, beautiful things happen.

A Community Effort

While our name may be on the plaque, this award truly belongs to all of you—our incredible students, their devoted families, and our extraordinary faculty. Every note practiced, every lesson attended, every recital performed—these are the moments that have built Rockwall School of Music into what it is today.

Our faculty members bring their passion and professionalism into every classroom, guiding each student not just toward technical skill, but toward confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of music. Their dedication makes all the difference, and this award reflects their outstanding work.

And of course, we are endlessly thankful to the parents and families who prioritize music education and choose to entrust us with nurturing their children’s talents. Your support and belief in our mission fuel everything we do.

Our Journey of Growth

In the past few years, we’ve seen tremendous growth—not just in student enrollment, but in the depth and breadth of what we offer. We’ve added new programs, expanded our faculty, upgraded our facilities, and worked tirelessly to make music education accessible and exciting for everyone who walks through our doors.

Whether it’s a child picking up an instrument for the very first time, a teen prepping for auditions, or an adult rediscovering their love for music, we’re here for every stage of the musical journey. This award validates all those steps and affirms that we are on the right path.

Looking Ahead

This award marks an exciting milestone, but it’s far from the finish line. We’re more motivated than ever to continue growing, innovating, and enriching lives through music. From new classes and workshops to exciting community events and performances, we can’t wait to show you what’s next.

As we reflect on this achievement, we’re reminded of why we do what we do: to inspire, to educate, and to create a space where music brings people together.

Thank You!

From the bottom of our hearts—thank you. Thank you for being part of our journey. Thank you for believing in the power of music. And thank you for helping us build a community where musical dreams take flight.

Here’s to the next chapter—filled with harmony, growth, and plenty of great music!

With gratitude,
Russ and Karen
Rockwall School of Music

Ask the Expert Feature

Meet Russ Porter, Owner at the Rockwall School of Music. About the expert Russ Porter holds a bachelor's degree in Music from Ouachita Baptist University and a master's degree in music from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 2004, Russ and his wife, Karen,...

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.