Welcome our Newest Music Teachers!

11/20/2015

Join us in welcoming these amazing musicians to our Rockwall School of Music teaching staff! It goes without saying, RSM has a great tradition of hiring the most qualified teachers possible. I make it a goal to find music instructors whose credentials and accomplishments are secondary to their love of teaching and their love of music. violon

I chose the following individuals to join the RSM staff because:

Violin Lessons by Jesús Saenz: Jesús is a true professional. He has subbed for RSM in the past, and I always appreciate his courteous nature and the loving way he interacts with others.  He is also a very accomplished performer and is currently pursuing his Masters in Violin Performance at the University of North Texas.

Violin Lessons by Yalira Montejo: Yalira is a real treasure. Her delightful personality along with her energy makes the room electric with her obvious passion for what she does. She also comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience to inspire our aspiring musicians.  She expects to earn her Masters in Violin Performance at the University of North Texas by December of 2015.

Violin and Piano Lessons by Aaron Tsai:  Aaron is a multi-lingual instructor who will expand both our violin and piano staff.  He’s fluent in Mandarin Chinese, French, and English. His giftedness and discipline have allowed him to be proficient in both piano and violin.  Not only has Aaron already proven himself as an excellent performer, he also brings a youthful energy and enthusiasm to his students along with some of the most up-to-date teaching techniques.

Piano and Voice Lessons by Gayla Rickard: Gayla has personality plus experience! Educated at Eastman Conservatory for Music in piano and pipe organ performance plus voice and theory composition, she has a lot to offer.  Her many years of teaching piano and voice lessons have given her an array of techniques, tools, and tricks to bring to the table, and students will love her lively approach to teaching.

Piano Lessons by Dr. Evelyn Carr: Evelyn is an extremely versatile musician. Her musical journey began on the violin, but in college she gravitated toward piano and vocal performance. After receiving her Masters of Choral Music from California State University, she has employed her vast musical knowledge in a variety of educational capacities, from directing choirs, conducting orchestras, and teaching elementary music. In fact, her whole life has been dedicated to teaching music in one form or another.

Piano Lessons by Linda Harley: Linda is a very well-known, sought-after music clinician who also loves teaching children.  After a career of teaching elementary, middle school, and choral music, she also taught private piano lessons for many years. For the past 14 years, she has also been the Associate Conductor of the Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas.

At RSM, our priority is to help each of our students progress toward his or her personal musical goals, and because of this, we are absolutely committed to providing the best possible music instructors.  I truly believe each of these talented musicians will provide a unique teaching perspective of a very high caliber.  I know you will feel the same!

Serving you with integrity and gratitude,

Russ Porter, Ambassador for the Arts
Director, Rockwall School of Music
749 Justin Rd, Rockwall, TX 75087
972-722-6874 | www.rockwallmusic.com

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City Proclaims June 9 as Rockwall School of Music Day

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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...

Aysun
3 days ago
Fantastic educators and an excellent system for newcomers. We really enjoy this place.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Aysun! We’re delighted our educators and newcomer program have made your experience excellent. It’s wonderful to know you enjoy being here. We look forward to continuing to support you and welcome you back anytime.
Amy Jerina
2 weeks ago
Rockwall School of Music is a fantastic organization! My daughter has been going on and off, as her schedule permits for several years. They are always very accommodating and the staff are always so kind!! They offer recitals so the students can showcase what they have learned and to help them get used to performing in front of people. My daughter has had many instructors, and she has enjoyed every single one of them!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Amy. We’re so glad Rockwall School of Music has been a great fit for your daughter over the years. It’s wonderful to hear she’s enjoyed our instructors, benefits from the recitals, and appreciates our flexible scheduling. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to many more musical milestones with her.
Mojo Risen
3 weeks ago
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
2 months ago
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
2 months ago
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
2 months ago
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
2 months ago
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
2 months ago
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
2 months ago
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
2 months ago
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.