Faculty
Administrative Team
Skiles Kelley
Owner
Aly Haddad
Director | Piano Instructor
Aly Haddad’s musical journey began at the age of 5, igniting a lifelong passion for piano. He graduated from the High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas, focusing on piano performance. He then earned his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Houston Baptist University, followed by a Master of Music in Music Production, Technology, and Innovation from Berklee College of Music, Valencia, Spain campus.
He has taught for many years and is able to mentor students at any learning level and create lasting relationships with them. Recognizing that music education extends beyond skill development, he is committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals through the transformative power of music.
Mya DeMaio
Head Registrar
Mya DeMaio is a dynamic administrative professional with a strong background in customer relations, team leadership, and operations (such as scheduling, maintaining customer accounts, auditing, billing, HR coordination, training, workflow optimization, etc.). She’s spent 4 years fine-tuning the art of keeping things running smoothly, from managing busy schedules to supporting both staff and clients with care and efficiency.
Outside of work, Mya channels her creativity through music and writing. She sang in choirs for eight years and loves karaoke nights, writing poems, playing video games, watching anime, and spending time with friends. Fun fact: Mya's favorite drink is either a matcha latte or a caramel crunch frappe.
India Granger
Assistant Registrar
India Granger is a Houston-based communications and creative professional with experience in public relations, digital media, and the music industry. She holds an associate’s degree in Music Business from Houston City College and has worked across artist management, social media, content creation and administrative support. She enjoys bringing structure to creative spaces and values thoughtful storytelling in everything she builds. As an artist, she also creates music under the name Jolise, blending creativity and intention across her work.
Outside of work, India channels her creativity through music, writing, and visual expression. She’s a synth-pop artist inspired by 80s pop, rock, and anime soundtracks. Outside of work, she enjoys watching anime, exploring new music, and spending time reading and journaling in her Hobonichi. Fun fact: she definitely has a sweet tooth and loves cake! Especially red velvet from Nothing Bundt Cakes.
Instructors
Marwan Ghonima
Bass | Piano | Drums | Guitar | Ukulele
Bassist Marwan Ghonima is quickly emerging as a compelling new voice in jazz. A Houston native and proud alumnus of the renowned High School for the Performing and Visual Arts—whose alumni include Robert Glasper, Jason Moran, and Kendrick Scott—Marwan is part of a vibrant lineage of musicians shaped by that legacy. In 2022, he was selected for the Pacific Jazz Ambassadors program (formerly the Brubeck Institute), where he performed and studied under luminaries such as Marquis Hill, Elena Pinderhughes, Eric Reed, and Stefon Harris. Most recently, he recorded an album featuring legendary drummer Lewis Nash.
Marwan’s performances have brought him to celebrated stages including Black Cat (San Francisco), Jazz, TX (San Antonio), and international festivals like Jazz in Marciac (France) and Jazzaldia (Spain).
Steve Hitt
Guitar
Steve was born and raised in the Houston area. He began his musical career in his middle teens by playing with various local bands, and in particular, the UNION. While with the UNION, Steve began writing songs and eventually penned one entitled “I Sit and Cry” which aired on The Larry Kane Show. The song charted in the 20’s on the two local “Top Forty” radio stations KILT and KNUZ. This opened the door for Steve and the UNION to become the opening act for such artists as Neil Diamond, Sam the Sham, Paul Revere & the Raiders, the WHO, and many other national acts. After which, Hitt began touring the southwest eventually ending up in Austin, Texas in the early 1970’s with the blues band Brazos Cane with compadre, Tommy Dardar. When the band dissolved in 1973, Steve returned to Houston and joined the funk band Bump City. From there, onto the local club scene with the Don Russell 5, showman Bill Nash, country song writer and singer Jim Collins, where they opened for numerous national country acts: Johnny Williams, blues-funk band Nequebone, and songwriter and singer Connie Mims. In addition, Hitt played lead guitar with Roy Head of “Treat Her Right” fame, played in back up bands for the Bo Diddley, the Coasters, Percy Sledge, Freddy Fender, and Mickey Gilley. The 1990’s began his collaborations with Miss Molly & the Whips, soul band Green Onions (for 14 years), and currently Michael Aguillar’s (formerly of LaMafia) Classix, playing not only lead guitar, but also lending his soul tinged vocals to the acts. In addition, Hitt plays lead guitar and does lead vocals for the Healers.
Jeremiah Jones
Piano | Guitar
Jeremiah Jones is a versatile instrumentalist and seasoned audio engineer with an Associate's degree and Certification in Audio Recording Technology. Driven by a deep passion for teaching, he instructs students of all ages in piano, guitar, and ukulele, as well as music software from beginner to advanced levels. His love for music extends beyond the classroom, collaborating with local Houston artist, providing instrumentation and engineering expertise to help them achieve their greatest musical ambitions.
Tony Moore
Violin | Piano | Guitar
A Native Houstonian, Mr. Tony started his violin journey at the age of 6. From the age of 9, Mr. Tony has performed violin competitively in solo and ensemble settings across Houston. In 2019, Mr. Tony graduated from the University of Houston and has a degree in Music Business with a Songwriting and Composition focus.
With his teaching method, Mr. Tony puts emphasis on both technique and creative expression in music. Through his engaging style, students will quickly progress while having fun!
Ruthie Morris
Guitar | Piano
Ruthie studied and preformed on guitar since age 17 and has been a musician since age 12. She teaches all styles and has 15 years experience teaching children and adults.
Marcos Rodriguez
Piano
Marcos is a pianist and teacher from Cuba who is passionate about creating a positive and supportive learning environment. His teaching style emphasizes encouragement, patience, and making lessons both fun and meaningful. He enjoys helping students build confidence, develop strong technique, and discover their own musical voice.
Kodey Saldaña
Saxophone | Piano | Drums | Woodwinds
Kodey Saldana is a Houston-based Saxophonist, Composer and Educator. Kodey Saldana is a Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Alumnus, and is currently studying for his Bachelors of Music with a specialization in music education at the University of Houston. Kodey has had the opportunity of learning and performing with many established artists and musicians such as Greg Fishman, Clay Jenkins, Paul Meyers, John Yao, Josh Allen, and Jesse Mcbride to name a few. Along the likes of these artists Kodey has worked and performed with many of the big names of Houston such as Tex Allen, Kyle Turner, Woody Witt, David Caceres, Harry Sheppard, David Craig, Marcos Varela, Jerome Gillespie II, and Armir Lee. Kodey is working to share his love of music through Composition, Performing, and Educating and passing it on to established and future generations to come.
Joseph Tran
Violin | Viola
Joseph Tran is a violinist that has been playing for over nine years and teaching for over five years. Currently, he is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas.
Chubie Ujah
Piano
Chubie Ujah is a professional contemporary keyboardist, music producer, and director with over 25 years of experience in music performance, production, and teaching. He holds a Master’s degree in Music Business from Buckinghamshire New University in the United Kingdom and received formal training in sound and film production from SAE Institute in Cape Town. Chubie has contributed to internationally recognized music projects with millions of streams across digital platforms, bringing real-world industry experience into his instruction. As a piano instructor, he emphasizes strong technical foundations, musical literacy, and expressive performance. Lessons are tailored to each student’s age, skill level, and learning style, fostering a structured yet supportive learning environment. He is deeply committed to building confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for music in every student.
Nikkita Zuberbier
Guitar | Voice | Piano
Nikkita Zuberbier has a degree in Music Education with a focus on Elementary Education from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. She has had the honor of studying under Dr. Lynn Brinkmeyer, the former President of the The National Association for Music Education and Ms. Cheryl Parrish, soprano at the Austin Lyric Opera. Her first instrument is Voice, but she also plays and teaches the guitar and piano to young students. She has been teaching since 2007, and has been a member of the Rockin' Robin family since 2013. She incorporates classical techniques as well as popular repertoire, and finds it very important to integrate modern music and teaching methods into her curriculum.