UHMC Institute of Hawaiian Music Auditioning New Students

Students of UHMC’s Institute of Hawaiian Music. Photo courtesy University of Hawaiʻi Maui College.

By Maui Now Staff

The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College is auditioning new students for the Institute of Hawaiian Music for the upcoming Fall 2015 semester.

Prospective students and parents are invited to a special information session from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, March 13, at the UHMC Kaʻaʻike Building, Room 105 CD.

Students enrolled in the Institute of Hawaiian Music learn the instrumental, vocal, and technical skills needed to be successful in the industry, with formal university classes supplemented by direct mentorship sessions led by professional Hawaiian musicians.

The one-of-a-kind musical mentorship program is dedicated to the perpetuation and preservation of Hawaiian music.

Visiting mentors have included: Kealiʻi Reichel, Kenneth Makuakāne, Mailani Makainai, Keola Beamer, Kainani Kahaunaele, Aaron Salā, Raiatea Helm, Jake Shimabukuro, Barry Flanagan, Mark Yamanaka, and former IHM director and Grammy Award-winning slack key guitarist George Kahumoku, Jr.

“Starting a career in Hawaiian music can be a challenge,” said the institute’s Faculty Coordinator, Dr. Keola Donaghy in a university press release.

“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,” said Donaghy.

Auditions will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the UHMC Kaʻaʻike Building, Room 105 CD.

Prospective students should be prepared to perform for six minutes, introduce themselves and their songs, sing and play their instruments, and carry themselves in a professional manner. Reservations are required, and prospective students may select from the following time slots: 9 to 11 a.m., noon to 2 p.m., or 2 to 4 p.m.

To receive additional information about the program, or to reserve a spot in the audition, prospective students are asked to email [email protected] or call (808) 984-3622.