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,...

Everyone here is so lovely, and my child has learned so much so quickly! I feel like they go above and beyond everyday to make it perfect for the kids. Everything is very clean, timely, and positive. We adore our teacher and the ladies at the front desk.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Courtney, for that great testimonial and the amazing 5-star review.
We love this place ! My little one can't wait until her next lesson, and she is learning quite fast!

-3 years later update: Still here, still love it!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for that awesome 5 star review. I greatly appreciate your kind words. We love having your daughter as part of our community of musicians.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for that amazing 5-star review. We appreciate you so much.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Tracy, for that awesome five-star review.
We absolutely LOVE school of music. My daughter asked to take piano lesson at the age of 5 and this was definitely our perfect match. The teachers and so kind, patient and knowledgeable. They make the music learning process such a fun experience! Also I can’t say enough amazing things about the ladies in the front office. We are greeted every single time with a smile and a friendly wave! They are so lovely and work magic with helping to reschedule lessons. They are a delight to deal with and see!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Erica, for those kind words about your daughter's music teacher, her piano lessons and our front desk staff. We love what we do and we're so glad it shows!
We really enjoy the lessons, staff & environment of this school. Very friendly staff&instructors.5 stars recommended!!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Lisa, for that amazing 5-star review and those kind words of affirmation. We are so glad your family is part of our community of musicians.
My son just started and loves it there. Carl is the perfect instructor for him.
Response from the owner:Thank you for those kind words, that awesome 5-star review and the high praise for Mr. Carl.
Love the ambiance and the environment! Excellent for learning music.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the 5-star review and the words of praise for our music school.
Our family has been at the Rockwall School of Music for 7 years and we are still going strong! We absolutely love the staff and the professionalism there. Everyone is so kind and helpful! They are also very flexible with scheduling! We love them!!! Hands down the best music school we have ever been with!!!!
Response from the owner:Thanks so much for that amazing review. We absolutely love what we do and I'm so glad it shows. Seven years and still going strong....that's what we love to hear. Helping you reach your personal best is what we love to do.
Response from the owner:Thank you for that 5-star review