Institute of Hawaiian Music at UH Maui To Audition For New Students

IHM second class. The Institute of Hawaiian Music is a one-of-a-kind musical mentorship program dedicated to the perpetuation and preservation of Hawaiian music.

The Institute of Hawaiian Music at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College is recruiting new students for the Fall semester.

The coursework is geared toward individuals interested in learning the craft of Hawaiian music; developing their instrumental, vocal and technical skills; and learning from award winning recording artists and composers.

An informational session for prospective students, parents and other interested individuals will be held on Friday, Feb. 19, 2015 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Kaʻaʻike Building, Room 105 CD at UHMC.

Auditions will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kaʻaʻike Building, Room 105 CD at UHMC. Prospective students will be expected to perform for six minutes, introduce themselves and their song(s), 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. or noon to 3 p.m. Attendance at the informational session is not required to audition. Private auditions may be scheduled for those unable to attend the scheduled audition on March 12, 2016

The Institute of Hawaiian Music is a one-of-a-kind musical mentorship program dedicated to the perpetuation and preservation of Hawaiian music. Formal university classes are supplemented with direct mentor sessions led by professional Hawaiian musicians.

Students selected for the IHM program will receive exclusive opportunities to receive personal training, guidance, and knowledge through these mentor relationships with performers, composers and other industry professionals.

Visiting mentors have included Keali‘i 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.

The staff and students of the Institute of Hawaiian Music has produced two compilation CDs, “Pukana” in 2013 and “Aloha ‘Ia Nō ‘O Maui” in 2015.

The staff and students of the Institute of Hawaiian Music has produced two compilation CDs, “Pukana” in 2013 and “Aloha ‘Ia Nō ‘O Maui” in 2015.

The latter features all songs about Maui, some well known and others obscure. It has been submitted as an entry for “Best Compilation Album” in this year’s Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.

“Starting a career in Hawaiian music can be a challenge,” said IHM Faculty Coordinator Dr. Keola Donaghy in a department 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.”

IHM offers classes in guitar, ʻukulele, singing, keyboard, composition, music theory, repertoire development, dance, music industry business & marketing and recording.

Students will be given training on their instruments, voice, and harmony. They will also be directed in repertoire growth, stage presence, and recording techniques. Students will also complete courses in Hawaiian studies and Hawaiian language to understand the cultural roots of their art.

Students who successfully complete the two-year program will receive an Academic Subject Certificate A.C.S. in Hawaiian Music. Scholarship support is also available for students in the program.

Interested individuals are invited to learn more by emailing ihm@hawaii.edu or by calling (808) 984-3570 to receive additional information about the program and to reserve a spot at the upcoming audition. More information is also available on the Institute of Hawaiian Music website.