972-722-6874

Why I Love Summer in Rockwall

02/25/2016

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Although the weather in Rockwall has been chilly and rainy, this week I’ve been busy planning for summer at the Rockwall School of Music.  Needless to say, it’s got me thinking about how much I love summer! I love the sunshine, the long days, and even the Texas heat.  If you’re anything like me, you might like to use your long summer days to be adventuresome!  It’s a great time for watersports, hiking, triathlons, and lots of other outdoor activities.  Summer is also the perfect time to explore something new, such as learning to play a musical instrument.  Sometimes those explorations can last just a short while; other times we may be surprised to discover a life-long passion.

My wife and I chose Rockwall for our music school because we think it is important to be a part of a community that values and celebrates music.  Last year the city of Rockwall marked its 161st birthday and it continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in Texas.  In 2015, the city offered more than 100 live music events, including the Jacinto Plaza Music Series and the Concerts by the Lake Series at the Harbor. Our Rockwall area public and private schools do a fantastic job of fostering our young musicians through orchestra, band, choir, and theatre programs.  Schools and other folks such as Rockwall Summer Musicals and the Rockwall Community Playhouse offer wonderful performances of local musicians and actors for audiences like us to hear and enjoy.  In Rockwall, music can be a vibrant and ever-changing experience for beginner and advanced players alike.

Summer can be the perfect time to take a leap into the great unknown.  If you’re ready to make that leap, I can help!  It’s my goal to be a conduit to a variety of musical opportunities for our local musicians. I encourage you to join other Rockwall residents this summer and learn to play a new instrument, double-down on your current endeavors, or connect with other musicians in the area and organize a band or ensemble group.  Learn something new alongside your children and you may discover that their interests become your interests.

Recently my own personal passion for music led me to organize a local children’s choir and to learn to play the cello.  Taking cello lessons as an adult has been an amazing way for me to develop more discipline, and I admit I have had some hurdles to overcome.  But it has also been a pure joy, and I have discovered how much I enjoy playing my cello every day.  In addition, I have the pleasure of playing each week with a small group of beginner string students at RSM who inspire and encourage each other.  With the knowledgeable guidance of cello instructor Adam Eason, we get to make beautiful music together.

If you think that being a part of our community of musicians could benefit you, I’d love to connect you with other like-minded people who can help you fulfill your musical goals this summer.  Give me a call anytime.

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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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!

Apr 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...

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.