Testimonials

Can’t say enough good things – friendly, helpful front office staff and a cello private lessons teacher who continually challenges my son. Private lesson days are his very favorite day of the week. It has so much fun to watch his musical ability grow.

Andi A.

Wow, are we grateful for the Rockwall School of Music! In a culture where the arts are undervalued and so many are out to make a quick dollar, The Rockwall School of Music continues to provide quality instruction at a reasonable price. Realistically, there is no shortcut when it comes to developing musical talent. Although some would like you to believe these arts can be learned overnight, it takes quality instruction and hours of dedicated practice. Few are willing to invest what it takes. We are grateful to discover a place that knows what it takes and will invest in the lives of students to help achieve their goals. With such a knowledgeable and friendly staff; they are eager to help and answer all our questions. My experience with Rockwall School of Music has been so positive, I look forward to enjoying the benefit of quality instruction and dedicated rehearsal. Knowing we will not get there overnight, but working with people of integrity and patience, I am confident the future looks bright.

Chett H.

We have been going to Rockwall School of Music for five years and have had nothing but wonderful experiences with the teachers and the staff. I would recommend Rockwall School of Music to anyone who has a desire to learn any musical instrument. Our children thrived under the tutelage of Rockwall School of Music instructors and have gone on to become worship leaders at local area churches. Thank you Rockwall School of Music for helping us cultivate our children’s musical talents.

Dee. M

Rockwall School of Music is the best! My son took guitar lessons from Chuck Pangburn, whom also has won many awards as well as a few Grammys. He was very professional and taught my son so much. Since learning guitar from Chuck, my son has had the opportunity to play in a worship band for 6 years and is currently playing in a few other worship bands on an as needed basis, around the metroplex. Russ Porter, Owner, is a fantastic owner/manager of the school. He employs the very best music teachers across the board, from guitar, piano, voice, etc. I have personally known of several students who have succeeded in their music ability and have continued to advance in their interest of music. My son is currently at UNT majoring in Business but still has a passion for music, which was instilled from his growth and development from the Rockwall School of Music. I would highly recommend this music school, no matter what age. I forgot to mention, my husband even took guitar from the Rockwall School of Music!

Traci H.

The staff here is amazing. My daughter has learned more piano in 3 months here than she learned in 7 months at a different place. Highly recommend this place.

Chea S.

We are more than pleased with our experience at Rockwall School of Music. Simply amazed with the progress our son has made on the violin. Superior quality of instruction and they really care about each student individual needs. Thanks so much Russ!!!

Megan H.

We have been very impressed with the Rockwall School of Music. All three of my children began taking lessons in the fall. My oldest has really enjoyed learning the violin and my two youngest are having fun with piano. Their teachers have far exceeded our expectations with their instruction, encouragement, and passion for music. In fact, they have made it so enjoyable, that I decided to sign up for piano lessons myself! I would highly recommend the Rockwall School of Music.

Yvonne D.

When I was in search of a reputable place for my son’s music lessons I chose Rockwall School of Music. During the initial phone call I discovered that I had made the best choice. Mr. and Mrs. Porter have always been helpful to me and my son. They made us feel welcomed during every visit. I highly recommend RSM to everyone looking to truly learn the art of Music in a family first environment.

Myesha A.

Rockwall School of Music is a gem in Rockwall, providing students of any age a variety of quality music experiences. I’ve moved around the country and have never come across another place like it, and I think a large part of that is because the owners are really upstanding, positive people who really care about providing the kids (and adults) with the highest quality music education they can. I spent a year teaching there before my schedule no longer allowed it, and occasionally go in to substitute (even if I don’t usually have time for it!) because I love the place and its positive, professional atmosphere and continual nurturing of all types of musical education. I still send everyone who asks me for private lessons over to RSM. Highly recommended!

Colby P.

My grandson has been taking guitar lessons for about 4 years at Rockwall School of Music. Prior to attending RSM he had been receiving in home lessons and was good, but couldn’t read the music. Now his performance, knowledge and ability to read the music is phenomenal. In addition to taking guitar lessons at RSM he received instruction on the piano for a semester. This spring he will be “cutting” his first CD and we are so proud. Chuck Pangburn, Guitar Instructor and the entire RSM Team add a great value and are the reason we return each semester. Great job to all!

Donna R.

I’ve gotten to know Russ, the owner of the Rockwall School of Music, over the last several months. Before I knew much about the school, it was clear that Russ was a business man both passionate about music and full of integrity. More than just running an excellent school, Russ is active in the community, through local music programs, churches, and activities.

I’ve personally seen the students that walk in the door of the Rockwall School of Music, and seen them improve through the instruction that Russ provides.

At the end of the day, it will be the Rockwall School of Music where my daughter goes when she’s old enough to take voice lessons; it will be Russ who I turn to when my son wants jazz guitar instruction beyond what his school offers. At some point, you’re turning some portion of your kids’ lives and interests over to others when you enroll them in music lessons. I can’t think of anyone more than Russ that I’d trust.

Russ runs the best music program for miles around. His teachers are better trained than any other group of musicians this side of Dallas. Our son started on the drums and guitar but that didn’t really work for him. Since then, he’s moved to piano and loved it. Without the music sampler class that the school of music offers, he would have given up when the first instrument wasn’t a good fit for him.

Brent M.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.