Learn more about what we do and get to know our HMA Instructors.

 Established in 1986 by Margaret McDonald "Ms. Margo," Harmony Music has been a pillar in the Friendswood community for more than 35 years! In May of 2017, Michele Rutherford "Ms. Michele" acquired ownership and Harmony Music Academy was born.
At HMA, we offer private lessons in piano, voice, guitar (acoustic, electric & bass), violin, viola, and ukulele.
​Our goal is to foster educational and personal growth by teaching students how to read and understand music as a lifelong skill set.  We want all of our students to learn and grow, to strive for creativity, and to gain confidence in themselves.

instructors:

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Kate bonaobra
voice / beginner  piano instructor

| Associate of Arts in Music (Alvin Community College)
| Candidate for Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance (Houston Christian University)
| 2+ years of collegiate level private piano studies
| Performed in various musical theater productions, choir competitions, solo competitions, and elite ensemble shows 
| Directed student-organized choir at University of Houston 
| Voice and beginner piano instructor at HMA since 2024 

Anthony  Contreras
lead GUITAR  instructor,
​ukulele  & beginner piano instructor

| Bachelor of Arts in Music (University of Houston)
| Studied jazz and classical guitar
| Oceans of Slumber - Multiple tours; 3 albums: "Atherial" (2013), "Winter" (2014), "Blue" EP (2015)
| Member of multiple different touring bands over 2 decades 
| Guitar, ukulele & beginner piano instructor at HMA since 2008 
| Royal Conservatory of Music instructor for guitar and Preparatory piano

donald  estis
violin  instructor

MORE INFO COMING SOON....
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| Violin instructor at HMA since 2025

MEagan  ISaacks
​lead voice Instructor

| 8 years of private voice studies 
| 6 years of private piano studies
| Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Minors in Theater and Math (Texas A&M, Corpus Christi)
| High School & Junior High Choir Director (CCISD & SFISD)
| Voice & beginner-intermediate piano instructor at HMA since 2015 
| Royal Conservatory of Music instructor for voice
*​Virtual only, effective August 10, 2025

margo  mcdonald*
senior  piano  instructor

| Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance (University of Houston, Moore's School of Music)
| Performed in multiple concerts across Texas from 1986-1991
| Piano instructor since 1986
| Founder and former owner/manager of Harmony Music Studio
| Royal Conservatory of Music instructor for piano

arlana  peacock
 piano/Voice   instructor

| Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance (Baylor University)
| Member of the Texas Music Educators Association since 2010
| Performed with various organizations including: Arlington Opera, Dallas Symphony Chorus, and community theatre
| 5+ years of private voice and piano teaching experience
| Beginner to intermediate piano instructor at HMA since 2025

Nicholas  robertson
 voice / beginner  piano   instructor

| 8+ years of private voice studies
| 5+ years of private piano studies
| Candidate for Bachelor of Arts (Houston Christian University) 
| Choral section leader for professional choir at First Methodist Church Commerce
| Former interim choir director at Santa Fe Highschool 
| Voice and beginner piano instructor at HMA since 2024

Michele rutherford*
 owner/piano  instructor

| 14 years of private piano studies
| Associate of Arts in Music (San Jacinto College)
| Independent piano instructor (2003-2006)
| Keyboard/Vocals for Baypoint Community Church (3 years)
| Piano instructor at HMA since 2011
| Owner/manager of HMA since 2017
| Royal Conservatory of Music instructor for piano

stephen  smith
  Guitar / Bass / beginner piano instructor

| Associate of Art in Teaching (San Jacinto College)
| 20+ private bass, guitar, and piano studies
| 5+ years private instruction experience 
| 20+ years composition / arranging expereince
| 20+ years performance experience in greater Houston area
| Candidate for Bachelor of Art in History/Philosophy (University of Houston)
| Guitar, bass, & beginner piano instructor at HMA since 2021

chrstian  stran
piano  / voice instructor

| 10+ years private voice studies
| 8+ years private piano studies
| Performed in multiple performance competitions in the Houston area for over a decade
​| 8+ years private teaching experience
| Beginner to intermediate piano and voice instructor at HMA since 2017 (inconsecutively) 

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*There is a waitlist for these instructors