Auditions Planned for Maui’s Institute of Hawaiian Music

Students from the first Institute of Hawaiian Music cohort. UHMC courtesy photo.

By Wendy Osher

The Institute of Hawaiian Music at the University of Hawai‘i Maui College will host auditions for students interested in joining the program.

This is the first time since the program’s launch that IHM is accepting new students.

The IHM program is a unique curriculum that includes mentorship sessions with industry professionals.

The IHM program is described as one that is dedicated to the perpetuation and preservation of Hawaiian music.   Students can earn an Academic Subject Certificate for completion of the two-year-program.

“Starting a career in Hawaiian music can be a challenge,” said IHM Program Coordinator Dr. Keola Donaghy in a 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,” said Donaghy.  He continued saying, “Many don’t reach their true potential because they don’t receive career guidance from experienced, professional musicians.”

The auditions for students seeking admission into the program for the Fall of 2013, will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, at UHMC’s Ka‘a‘ike Building, Room 105 CD.

Reservations for the auditions are required by emailing [email protected] or calling (808) 984-3622.

A general information session is also scheduled Saturday, April 20th at UHMC’s Ka‘a‘ike Building room 109.