Which musician has influenced you the most?
I think one of the biggest influences on my music would be John Mayer. His acoustic guitar techniques, one man band type style music are some of the funnest licks to play.
What can you teach me about your instruments different than any other teacher?
I am very good at teaching authentic Hawaiian music. The different styles and techniques of local ukulele and guitar and vocalizing the Hawaiian language are some of the skills I possess.
How did you learn to play your instrument?
As a kid I took multiple classes for guitar/ukulele/piano. I always liked to play music but never really loved it until my college years. In college I took my first choir class and after that I was hooked. The feeling of singing as one entity while hearing and controlling your own sound is one of the greatest feelings for me.
How do you go about writing a song or composing a piece yourself?
First, I start with the lyrics or if there is no singing then I try to find a solid rhythm. After that usually I try to come up with the main melody or idea. Once I come up with a sample, I setup the song structure Chorus/verses/bridges. Then comes the final touches adding the effects, equalization, fillers.
On what equipment do you play today?
I play piano, drums, guitar, ukulele, bass. I like to create a song from scratch, it helps to play a little of everything.
What personal trait has helped you when you practice the most?
I think the most important characteristic while practicing is allowing yourself to have fun. Too many times we get caught up on how much we practice rather than the quality of the session. We learn much more while we are enjoying something and more importantly, we are looking forward to do it again.
What does your instrument have that others don't?
Ukulele has a very distinct innocent sound in which many people find appealing.
What you pay special attention to when you teach?
I think it is very important to pay attention to how your student is progressing. Sometimes you must change your teaching strategies to adapt to what the student finds more interesting. The more interested they become the more invested in the music they get.
How do you build up your music lessons?
This varies from student to student depending on what the student is learning. For example, if I have a student for the first time, I figure out what he/she wants to learn, then if he/she wants to learn a specific song/genre. I listen to it and we try to replicate the most basic part which is usually the rhythm.
What do you do with children?
Many of my students were kids and I am very experienced with them. Kids love games and having fun, so I usually start the lesson with something exciting for the child. The more tedious stuff I leave towards the end of the lesson. It’s also good to follow some sort of curriculum with them so their parents can see their progress.
What was until now your greatest experience as a musician?
I think one of my greatest memories is when I first discovered my voice. It was my voice class’s last day of the semester and time for our final performance. We had to perform a solo in front of the class for the first time and I practiced a lot for it. When it was my turn, I was so nervous. I started to sing it felt so natural and it felt as if the music was flowing out of me. The teacher and the class were so impressed, and it made me feel like I mattered. Like I made a difference in my colleagues’ lives that day.
What was the largest stage that you've performed on?
My biggest concert was when I sang for the UH Manoa’s concert choir. We sang Mozart’s Requiem with the whole college band to hundreds of audience members.
Which musician would you like to play with?
Jimmi Hedrix. I have always loved his music ever since my rock days when I was teen. It would be so cool to play and see how he improvises each one of his songs differently every time he plays.
Which record would you bring to a desert island?
I would take the biggest record I could find so I could use it as a paddle to leave the island.
On which stage do you prefer to perform?
Small groups and stages are my bread and butter. It’s nice to interact with a smaller crowd.
After music, what is important in your life?
I have many hobbies like surfing, diving, and hiking but one of the most important characteristics I try to practice is being at peace with yourself. If you can feel self-fulfilled and content with your life choices, then this will affect all areas of your life.
