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 workshops and camps 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.
Each of our instructors undergo annual background checks and performance reviews to keep our standards high!

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:

david bishop
instructor - piano / guitar

| Associate of Arts Degree in Music Theory and Piano Performance (Musician's Institute of Los Angeles)  
| 10+ years private guitar and piano lessons
| Recording credits include work as solo pianist and accompanist for singer/songwriter in Los Angeles 
| Multiple independently released album credits for instruments including: piano, guitar, bass guitar, ukelele, and vocals
| Piano and Guitar instructor at HMA since 2018

Anthony Contreras
Instructor - GUITAR/PIANO

| 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 and beginner piano instructor at HMA since 2008 

 trevor grace
Instructor - voice / piano

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

Jessica Hillmon
instructor - FLUTE/PIANO 

| 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)
| Vocals for Friendswood United Methodist Church (4 years)
| Flute and beginner piano instructor at HMA since 2015

MEagan ISaacks
lead voice Instructor,  piano instructor
operations manager

| 8 years of private voice lessons 
| 6 years of private piano lessons
| Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Minors in Theater and Math (Texas A&M, Corpus Christi)
| General music education teacher for grades K-5 in FBISD
| Piano accompanist for voice students
| Voice and beginner piano instructor at HMA since 2015 

Margo mcdonald
LEad PIano Instructor

| 15 years of piano studies
| Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance (University of Houston)
| Performed in multiple concerts across Texas from 1986-1991
| Piano instructor since 1986
| Founder and former owner/manager of Harmony Music Studio

BrianNe Peters
legacy instructor - VIOLIN/piano  

| 10 years private violin lessons
| TMEA All-State Regions orchestra 
| Concert Master for Bay Area Youth Symphony Orchestra
| Member of the University Baptist Church Orchestra since 2015 
| Violin and beginner piano instructor at HMA since 2017

Michele rutherford
 owner/piano instructor

| 14 years of private piano lessons
| Associate of Arts in Music (San Jacinto College)
| Piano instructor while in high school and college (3 years)
| Keyboard/Vocals for Baypoint Community Church (3 years)
| Piano instructor at HMA since 2011
| Current owner/manager of Harmony Music Academy

Sarah Smythe
 INstructor - VioLIN/PIANO

| Over 10 years of private violin lessons
​| Attended University of St. Thomas Summer String Program
| Candidate for Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance (University of Houston)
| 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 and beginner piano instructor at HMA since 2015

Christian Stran
Instructor - VOICE/PIANO

| 15 years of piano studies
| Studied opera, theater, and commercial voice
| Trained in baritone and tenor repertoire
| Performed in choral competitions at Moore's School of Music (University of Houston)
| Piano accompanist for voice students at multiple performances
| Voice and piano instructor at HMA since 2015

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