Today we’d like to introduce you to Russ Porter.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My vision for providing a central location where multiple types of music lessons would be offered was a 25-year dream in the making. In my early professional years as a choir director in local churches, I noticed that most of the church building was empty except for Wednesdays and Sundays. I envisioned having the empty rooms filled with individuals teaching various types of instrumental/vocal music, thus allowing families in our community to receive lessons in a conveniently-located facility.
For various reasons that never happened until I was approached in 2003 about providing leadership for a school of music in Rockwall, Texas. It was a privately-owned business, but was exactly what I had been dreaming of for 25 years. It started as a centrally located facility with eight studio rooms and teachers who provided piano, guitar, drum and voice lessons. Fast forward to today, the Rockwall School of Music has grown from a handful of students to over 400 students who come for weekly lessons.
We now have 13 rooms and 26 teachers, with lessons offered in piano, guitar, voice, drums, musical theatre, violin, viola, cello, bass, ukulele, flute, saxophone, trumpet, and French horn. This fall we will move into a larger space with over 4,000 sq ft that will allow Rockwall School of Music to expand to 17 studio rooms and a performance area. Our student capacity will be able to exceed 700 students receiving weekly music lessons.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Having the support of our community has made our 21-year history a joy. We will always struggle with finding enough hours in the day to schedule lessons around all the church, civic and school-related events that are important to our students and their families. Finding qualified teachers is always a struggle. We seek professionally trained teachers who are not only gifted musicians but have a heart for teaching. This always has been and always will be a top priority that distinguishes us from our competitors.
Please tell us about Rockwall School of Music.
We are known as a community of musicians who support all types of musical performing arts. I value excellence and integrity and believe that my values are communicated in all we do. The Rockwall School of Music has a long history of providing great customer service that exceeds expectations and is proactive in building professional relationships with our families that last well beyond their weekly lesson. We are involved in our community and help our students achieve their dreams.
Many of our students have graduated from high school and pursued music as their profession. No matter where their life leads them, ALL of our students gain a foundation that allows music to be enjoyed in their personal life in whatever ways they choose. My personal area of musical passion is singing. Whether it’s solo work or in a choral setting, that’s where I feel I contribute the most. I recently began learning to play the cello and love expanding my musical knowledge and experience at this ’empty-nest’ stage of life.
The Rockwall School of Music is known for providing quality instruction at a fair price. Most of our students are taught in a private lesson setting where one student receives instruction from the teacher. However, small group classes are also offered to students who prefer to learn in a group setting with 2-3 other students who are near the same age and same skill level. We truly do our best to provide something for all ages and all stages of life (children – Senior Adults).
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
All of my favorite childhood memories focus around music, specifically singing. I seemed to excel in vocal solo competition and that became my passion. My favorite memory was being selected, as a high school Sophomore, to participate in America’s Youth In Concert, All Nation Choir. We toured/performed in six European countries as well as the Kennedy Center. From that point forward, I was hooked on music. There was no turning back!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Pricing:
- Private Lessons start as low as $128/month
- Small Group Classes start as low as $99/month
- Week-long Summer Camps are offered for as low as $149/camp
Contact Info:
- Address: 749 Justin Rd. Rockwall, Texas 75087
- Website: www.RockwallMusic.com
- Phone: 972-722-6874
- Email: office@RockwallMusic.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockwallSchoolOfMusic/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rockwall-school-of-music-rockwall-2
Image Credit:
Janie Oliver
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