Musical talents urged to audition for UH Maui College Institute of Hawaiian Music

IHM students are trained on how to hone their craft, and promote their work in the music industry

The University of Hawai‘i Maui College Institute of Hawaiian Music (IHM) will hold auditions for those interested to enroll in the 2-year Hawaiian Music certificate program for Fall 2019 semester on Saturday, April 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at Ka‘a‘ike building, Room 111 at the Kahului campus.

Prospective students are expected to perform for six minutes, introduce themselves and their song, sing and play their instruments, and carry themselves in a professional manner. Reservations are required for the auditions. Private auditions may also be scheduled for those unable to attend.

Those with questions may attend an informational session scheduled on Friday, April 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Ka‘a‘ike Building, Room 109, or during the UH Maui College Spring Open House on Wednesday, April 10 from 5- 7 p.m. at the Student Lounge.

IHM is a one-of-a-kind musical mentorship program dedicated to the perpetuation and preservation of Hawaiian music. In addition to mastering musical instruments, the program offers classes in singing and dance, repertoire development, and music industry business & marketing. Students will also complete courses in Hawaiian studies and Hawaiian language to understand the cultural roots of their art. 

Students selected for the IHM program will receive exclusive opportunities to receive personal training, guidance, and knowledge through mentor-mentee relationships with performers, composers and other industry professionals. Visiting mentors have included Keali‘i Reichel, Keola Beamer, Raiatea Helm, Jake Shimabukuro, and former IHM director and Grammy Award-winning slack key guitarist George Kahumoku, Jr. 

Students of the program have produced own compilations, namely Pukana in 2013, Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning Aloha ‘Ia Nō ‘O Maui in 2015, and Aia I Laila Ka Wai in 2017. Alumni such as Hawaiian trio Kūikawā have also produced their own albums.

“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 IHM Faculty Coordinator Keola Donaghy. “Because of this challenge, many don’t reach their true potential. This is where we can help.” 

Donaghy said the program is not just for those who want to be professional musicians, but is open to anyone who wants to learn more about Hawaiian music and improve their performance skills. 

For questions and to reserve a spot in the auditions, contact Donaghy at (808) 984-3570 or email donaghy@hawaii.edu.

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