Thomas Goedecke (Phd, Composition) joins the Institute of Hawaiian Music at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College (UHMC) as a tenure-track instructor where he teaches a range of introductory and intermediate music courses with emphasis in Hawaiian music, music history, music theory, and performance.
“I am looking forward to contributing to the excellent programs built by Dr. Keola Donaghy and Dr. Robert Wehrman, including the Institute of Hawaiian Music and Music Studies programs,” writes Goedecke. “I also look forward to continuing my work in Hawaiian choral music and learning about the practices and traditions of Hawaiian choral music on the island of Maui.”
Goedecke made the choice to stay on the islands to fulfill his commitment to colleagues and to his family to continue his work in Hawaiʻi for the remainder of his career.
“Although it might be exciting to see the compositional and musical opportunities available outside of Hawaiʻi, I have a profound kuleana to Hawaiʻi, and chose only to actively pursue positions in Hawaiʻi,” Goedecke mentions. “Maui College is a perfect fit because the music I enjoy and study, specifically Hawaiian ensemble music and Hawaiian choral music, is a focus of the program.”
In addition to contributing to the music programs at UHMC, Goedecke is looking forward to collaborating with the musicians and educators in Maui.