Students in the Institute of Hawaiian Music learn the instrumental, vocal and technical skills needed to be successful in the industry.

KAHULUI – Interested in learning the craft of Hawaiian music from industry professionals? The Institute of Hawaiian Music at the University of Hawaii Maui College is gearing up for its Fall 2015 semester with a special information session for prospective students, parents and other interested parties on Friday, March 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the college’s Ka’a’ike Building, Room 105 CD.

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

Students learn the instrumental, vocal and technical skills needed to be successful in the industry, with formal university classes supplemented by direct mentorship sessions led by professional Hawaiian musicians.

Visiting mentors have included Keali’i Reichel, Kenneth Makuakane, Mailani Makainai, Keola Beamer, Kainani Kahaunaele, Aaron Sala, Raiatea Helm, Jake Shimabukuro, Barry Flanagan, Mark Yamanaka, and former IHM director and Grammy Award-winning slack key guitarist George Kahumoku Jr.

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

“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.”

Auditions will be held on Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ka’a’ike Building, Room 105 CD.

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., noon to 2 p.m., or 2 to 4 p.m.

E-mail ihm@hawaii.edu or call 984-3622 to receive additional information about the program and reserve a spot in the audition, or visit maui.hawaii.edu/ihm.