Cyril Pahinui to teach courses at UH Hilo

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
Contact:
Posted: Jan 14, 2008

One of Hawaiʻi‘s greatest slack key guitar artists, Cyril Pahinui, is teaching a pair of courses through the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo‘s College of Continuing Education and Community Service (CCECS).

The first course covers the basics of kihoʻalu, or slack key guitar. Students will learn several traditional tunings, focusing on those taught to Pahinui and his brothers by their legendary father, the late, great "Pops" Gabby Pahinui, as well as musical methods to start playing music. Students must bring their own guitars. Rentals are available at several Hilo music stores.

The second course is Hawaiian music appreciation. Pahinui will share his knowledge of the history and tradition of Hawaiian music and slack key guitar, featuring the songs of the Pahinui family. Students will also learn the themes, stories and kaona (metaphoric subtext) behind the music, as well as insights on the composers.

Each course will be taught on six Tuesdays between February 12 and March 18 in Campus Center 301. The slack key instruction course will be from 4 to 5 p.m., while the music appreciation course will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Tuition for the slack key course is $75, and tuition for the music appreciation course is $50. Members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute receive a $5 discount on each course.

To register, or for more information, call CCECS at 974-7664.