Rockwall School of Music celebrates 25 years

Photo of Rockwall School of Music by Jake Wright.

ROCKWALL, TX – September 13, 2021 — Before the Rockwall School of Music began, the current owners, Russ and Karen Porter, as well as the original owners, Rockwall Fire Chief Kenneth Cullins and Heather Cullins, had the same vision. Both couples envisioned a safe place for children, teens and adults to pursue their musical passion. This would be accomplished by offering private or small group music lessons from highly qualified instructors who have a passion for teaching.

This vision started in 1996 in downtown Rockwall. RSM quickly outgrew that lease space along with two other lease spaces in north Rockwall before finding it’s permanent location at 1920 Mims Road.

“Over the course of these 25 years, literally thousands of families have been enrolled and have had their musical passion fostered at the Rockwall School of Music,” said RSM Director Russ Porter. “It has been so rewarding for my wife and I to share our love of music with others.”

Russ and Karen met in college at Ouachita Baptist University as music majors. Upon graduation from OBU in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, they moved to the Ft. Worth area to complete their Masters of Music degrees at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and University of North Texas respectively.

Rockwall School of Music owners Russ and Karen Porter

After living in Louisiana and southeast Texas, the Porter’s moved to Rockwall when assuming ownership of RSM in 2004.

“Heather Cullins did an amazing job organizing and establishing RSM,” said Porter. “Seeing our visions merge was nothing short of miraculous.”

Over the course of these years, RSM has grown exponentially and is now averaging almost 700 students who come for weekly lessons.

RSM provides a unique approach to learning. Since no long-term contract for lessons is required, children, teens and adults have the flexibility to enroll for lessons whenever it fits their schedule. RSM was invited to participate in the international Musical Ladder Program that recognize students, such as Laurie Lanehart, who has continuously received lessons for over 12 years while also celebrating students who can only schedule lessons for a few months.

“Anything we can do to encourage musicians in their learning process that helps them become better musicians is an opportunity that we cherish,” said Porter.

In addition to being voted the Best Music Lessons/Studio in Rockwall for the past six years, RSM was a finalist in the National Music School of the Year Competition and has been awarded the “Safe Music School” status as they go above and beyond what’s needed to keep teachers, students and staff safe from the spread of Covid-19. Recently, RSM received the ‘Family Safety Plan for Music Schools’ designation for the proactive safety measures taken to ensure a safe teaching/working environment for students, teachers and staff.

To commemorate this 25-year milestone, RSM is offering a $25 savings to anyone who enrolls for music lessons during the month of September.

Rockwall School of Music is located at 1920 Mims Rd, Rockwall, TX 75032.

To learn more call/text: 972-722-6874 or visit: www.RockwallMusic.com.

Submitted press release.

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