Who We Are

We are Holy Cross Music Academy

Holy Cross Music Academy exists to raise up musicians who bring life into the community with their music. Students of all ages 6+ are welcome to take lessons, which are offered on pop/rock instruments, as well as classical piano, and voice. But ultimately the goal is for music to extend beyond just the classroom! Our goal is to develop lifelong musicians who learn to play and sing the music that they love and share it with others. 


Daniel Island is a community-focused, family-focused area, and HCMA aims to lean into both of these things. We will be deeply involved in the fabric of the town by providing opportunities for students to play and sing for as many things in the community as possible. We will actively foster relationships with local businesses and community organizations to bring as much live music into our town as we can! 


We also want the Daniel Island homes themselves to be filled with music as students discover their passion for it and share it with their families. As much as possible, our philosophy is to help students learn the music they naturally love and are interested in, as we believe this encourages further playing and growth for the student.


As a function of Church of the Holy Cross, HCMA also has a specific vision and passion for training musicians who play with the music teams at Holy Cross or their own local church, should this be of interest to the student and family. Playing in church can be a fantastic way to gain experience and work through the nerves of public performance for a young musician. We want to offer this opportunity to every student who is ready and interested, and we believe it will bring great joy to our worship services and other worship services in our community!


We are so glad you're here and we cannot wait to be a part of you and your family's musical journey!

DIRECTOR OF HOLY CROSS MUSIC ACADEMY, CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP LEADER

Jake Willis

Jake serves Holy Cross in a multitude of ways as Director of Holy Cross Music Academy, instructor for HCMA, and as Holy Cross DI's contemporary worship leader. The idea for HCMA was birthed by Jake and campus pastor Jonathan Bennett as they dreamed of ways to bring together Jake's love for teaching music with his role at the church. As an instructor himself, Jake personally loves developing students who play and sing, who play in bands, and Jake is passionate about having students involved with the musical life of the community and the church. Jake has led contemporary worship as well as played in original music projects and cover groups around the Carolina's for over 15 years.


Jake and his wife Jessica have a young daughter named Junia.

Contact Jake

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF HOLY CROSS MUSIC ACADEMY

Lindsey Heyward

Coming from a singing family, Lindsey has sung since she was a little girl.

Lindsey started playing drums first at 10 yrs old in church. She started guitar and piano when she was 13. She has been giving music lessons on and off for the past 10 years varying from piano, guitar and drums. She just picked up the ukulele in 2023 and started teaching it because there was a great need for it. Being able to share her talents and love for music has always been a desire of hers. Lindsey is glad that she has the opportunity to pour into her student’s live and to share her love of music with them.

Administrative Assistant

Catherine Bowen

Catherine Bowen is our Administrative Assistant! She is the welcoming face you'll see each time you come to HCMA. She can answer so many questions and help you with anything you need. She attends our Holy Cross Daniel Island Campus and lives on the island.

Contact HCMA@HolyCross.net