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

Established in 1986 by Margaret Sparks "Ms. Margo," Harmony Music has been a pillar in the Friendswood community for more than 30 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, and violin; performance vocal ensembles; and occasional special workshops during Spring Break and summer time!
Our goal is to make music enjoyable!  We want all of our students to learn and grow, to strive for creativity, and to gain confidence in themselves.

Harmony Music Academy closes for lessons on the following holidays:
Spring Break (Sunday - Saturday)
​Easter (Sunday only)
Memorial Day (Monday only)
​Independence Day 
Labor Day (Monday only)
Thanksgiving (Sunday - Saturday)
Christmas / New Year (2 full weeks)

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MEET OUR instructors:

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

| Bachelor of Arts in Music (University of Houston)
| Studied jazz and classical guitar
| Ingurgitate - European tour (2012)
| Oceans of Slumber - Multiple tours; 3 albums: "Atherial" (2013), "Winter" (2014), "Blue" EP (2015)
| Guitar, ukulele & beginner piano instructor at HMA since 2008 
| Royal Conservatory of Music instructor for guitar and Preparatory piano

carmen  gonzalez
viola / intermediate violin   instructor

| 10+ years private viola studies
| Candidate for Associate of Arts Degree in Music (San Jacinto College) 
| Performed with San Jacinto String Ensemble & Pasadena Philharmonic
​| Viola and beginner-intermediate violin instructor at HMA since 2021

 trevor grace*
voice /intermediate  piano  instructor

| 9 years private piano studies
| 5 years private voice studies
| Studied Musical Theatre (Alvin Community College & National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts)
| Attended master classes with well-known broadway performers 
| Performed at Moody Gardens, East End Theatre Company, and Main Street Theatre
​| Voice & beginner-intermediate piano instructor at HMA since 2018

carlyn  hendler
 FLUTE /  beginner  PIANO  instructor

| 16 years private flute/piccolo studies
| Bachelor of Music in Performance (University of Nebraska at Omaha)
| Former substitute piccolo and 3rd flute in Omaha Symphony
| 2+ years collegiate piano studies 
| Over 8 years previous teaching experience 
​|Improvisation and extended technique enthusiast
| Flute & beginner piano instructor at HMA since 2021

Jessica  Hillmon
 FLUTE / ukulele / beginner  PIANO  instructor

| 7 years middle school and high school band
| Member of the orchestra at Friendswood United Methodist Church (4 years)
| Member of the choir at Friendswood United Methodist Church (12 years)
| Flute, ukulele & beginner piano instructor at HMA since 2015

MEagan  ISaacks*
​lead voice Instructor, 
intermediate  piano  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)
| General music education teacher for grades K-5 (FBISD) & Junior High Choir Director (CCISD & SFISD)
| Voice & beginner-intermediate piano instructor at HMA since 2015 
| Royal Conservatory of Music instructor for voice and piano

michelle  killgore*
 piano  Instructor

| 12+ years of private piano studies
| Studied piano performance 2 years (Angelina College & Stephen F. Austin University)
| Choir accompanist at Angelina College for 2 years
| Performed at various country clubs for private parties
|Candidate for Associate of Arts in Piano Performance (San Jacinto College) 
​| Piano instructor at HMA since 2019
| Royal Conservatory of Music instructor for piano

nathan  mays
 bass / guitar / intermediate   piano  instructor

| Master of Music in Composition (Texas State University)
| 5 years private piano studies
| 7 years private double bass studies 
| Arranging / performance experience in classical, jazz, and pop genres
​| Actively performing in Houston area in variety of different venues
| Bass, guitar, & beginner-intermediate Piano instructor at HMA since 2021

carrie mccord
 intermediate  voice  /   piano  instructor

|10+ years private piano studies
|8+ years private voice studies
| Performed with Bay Area Chorus and San Jacinto Choir
| 10+ years private classical training in trombone and cello
| 10 years teaching experience in piano and voice
| Voice & beginner-intermediate Piano instructor at HMA since 2021

margo  mcdonald
senior  piano  instructor

| 15 years of private piano studies
| 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

derry o'leary
 piano  instructor

| 40+ years professional performance / teaching experience
​| Hired solo performer on Princess Cruise Lines for 4 years
| Hired solo performer for countless weddings, private parties, high end restaurants, and hotel lobbies as well as the grand hall in Cherry Creek Mall for 20+ years. 
| Piano instructor at HMA since 2021 

Michele rutherford*
 owner/piano  instructor

| 14 years of private piano studies
| Associate of Arts in Music (San Jacinto College)
| Independent piano instructor while in high school and college (3 years)
| 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

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Sarah Sohn
 lead vioLIN   instructor

| 13+ years of private violin studies
| Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance (University of Houston, Moore's School of Music)
| Performed with San Jacinto College String Ensemble, Clear Lake Symphony, Cumberland Orchestra, and Sewanee Symphony
| Member of Moore's Orchestra and Moore's Opera
| Violin instructor at HMA since 2015
| Royal Conservatory of Music instructor for violin

jacob vasquez
 Intermediate piano  / guitar instructor

| 9 years of private piano studies
| 2 years of private guitar studies
| Studied Music Ministry (Trevecca Nazarene University)
| Performed at Nashville Convention Center
| Recorded vocals for a Casting Crowns album
| Performed as a soloist with NPWI (National Praise and Worship Institute) Choir 2 years
| Piano & guitar instructor at HMA since 2020

*Not currently accepting new students