Aspiring Musicians’ Chance at Mentoring Under Legends

George Kahumoku, image courtesy of the MACC

By Sonia Isotov

Aspiring musicians will have the opportunity to be directly mentored by legends of Hawaiian music industry, but first they will have to audition for one of the 25 spots available at the new UH Maui College’s Institute of Hawaiian Music (IHM).

The auditions will be held at the UH Maui College on October 21 and October 22 and applications are due October 20. Applicants will have a six-minute time limit to introduce themselves, present a brief background of their performance piece and then perform their song or medley of songs. Participants will be selected by the IHM music mentors and staff.

Following the audition process, 25 lucky students will be chosen for 2-year program dedicated to the perpetuation and preservation of Hawaiian music and the creation of future performing artists through establishing mentor relationships with successful Hawaiian musicians. Students will have the opportunity to train under the guidance of Grammy award-winning slack key guitarist George Kahumoku Jr., as well as other mentor artists like Dennis Kamakahi, Ken Emerson, Owana Salazar and Brother Noland (see full list below).

“We can’t wait to hear the talent I know is out there,” said George Kahumoku Jr.  “It’s exciting for student musicians with a love for Hawaiian music and for the artist mentors passing down the tradition.  We’re all going to grow and learn together.”

The Institute for Hawaiian Music (IHM) is seeking aspiring musicians wishing to establish mentor relationships with successful and professional musicians for training and guidance in composing, performing, recording, and marketing in the Hawaiian Music genre. Digital music production, including the use of mobile applications, will also be covered in the curriculum, and students will have many opportunities to play live with Kahumoku as well as the other participating artists, culminating in a final show and the production of a full-length commercial compact disc.

IHM is funded by a grant from the Department of Labor.  The curriculum includes courses in music theory, composition, stagecraft, ukulele and guitar, along with classes in Hawaiian mythology, Hawaiian language and hula.

Auditions will be held on October 21st, 2011 from 8am to 3pm, and on Oct. 22nd, 2011, 8am to 6pm.  All applicants must register online for the audition by Oct. 20^th at www.maui.hawaii.edu/ihm.

LIST OF PARTICIPATING MENTOR ARTISTS

Dennis Kamakahi
Ken Emerson
Owana Salazar
Maisey & JJ Rika
Kawika Kahiapo
Ledward Ka’apana
Richard Ho’opi’i
Wilmont Kahaialii
Sean Na’auao
Brother Noland
Kaumakaiwa Kanakaole
Keali’I Tau’a
John Keawe (& Hope)
Herb Otta, Jr.
Kimo West
Liko-O-Kalani Martin
Benny Uyetake
Glenn Kakugawa
Keoki Kahumoku
Jon Yamasato
Bobby Ingano
Ikaika, Kevin &
Sheldon Brown
Peter deAquino
Garrett Probst
Ron Kualaao
Shawn Pimental
Willie K