KAHULUI – Are you interested in learning the craft of Hawaiian music? Need to develop your instrumental, vocal and technical skills, and learn from award-winning recording artists and composers? You can do all of this and much more in the Institute of Hawaiian Music, which is recruiting new students to begin in fall 2018.

An informational session for prospective students, parents and other interested parties will be held on Friday, March 23, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the University of Hawaii Maui College in Ka’a’ike Building Room 109. Auditions will be held on Saturday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Ka Lama Building, Room 105CD.

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 for the auditions. Private auditions may be scheduled for those unable to attend the scheduled audition.

The Institute of Hawaiian Music (IHM) 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 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 George Kahumoku Jr.

IHM offers classes in guitar, ukulele, singing, keyboard, composition, music theory, repertoire development, dance, music industry business and marketing, and recording. Students will be given training on their instruments, voice and harmony. They will 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 available for students in the program.

For more information about the Institute of Hawaiian Music, visit maui.hawaii.edu/ihm.