UHMC Institute of Hawaiian Music Seeks New Students

Students from the first Institute of Hawaiian Music cohort. Courtesy photo.

By Wendy Osher

For the first time since the program’s launch, the Institute of Hawaiian Music on Maui is accepting new students.

The program at the University of Hawaii Maui College will be accepting new students for the fall of 2013.

An informational session takes place this Friday, March 8 at the UHMC Ka‘a‘ike building, room 105BDC; with auditions scheduled for Saturday, April 27, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The musical mentorship program is dedicated to the perpetuation and preservation of Hawaiian music, with formal classes supplemented with director sessions led by professional musicians.

Students who successfully complete the two-year program, receive an Academic Subject Certificate in Hawaiian Music.

“Starting a career in Hawaiian music can be a challenge,” said IHM Program Coordinator Dr. Keola Donaghy. “Aspiring musicians are often left to their own devices to locate willing mentors and performance partners, receive personal training, find gigs, gain performance experience, produce a recording, and learn the steps necessary to break into the industry. Many don’t reach their true potential because they don’t receive career guidance from experienced, professional musicians.”

IHM offers classes in music theory, repertoire development, composition, music industry business and marketing, and recording. Students will also complete courses in Hawaiian culture, hula, and Hawaiian language to understand the cultural roots of their art.

Additional information is available via email at: ihm@hawaii.edu or by calling (808) 984-3622.