Tag Archives: Maui

Leap Year Special 2024

Do something unusual and extraordinary on Thursday 29th February 2024. Leap year occurs once every four years, even less frequently than a blue moon. Tune into my YouTube Channel to see livestream videos of the sunset on Maui and jam … Continue reading

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Game of Thrones

I was living on Maui when “Game of Thrones” premiered on American cable TV HBO in Spring of 2011. I must have watched one episode of it on someone else’s television and concluded that the main theme was an ear … Continue reading

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3 Chord Thursday Hawaiian Love Songs

On Thursday 16th February 2023, we will be jamming on the island of Maui sharing love songs of Hawaii in Zoom, as it’s just past Valentine’s Day. For inspiration, check out the songs we did last year and videos from … Continue reading

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Playing music for church on piano and organ

One handwritten lead sheet triggered memories of playing the piano and organ for church services on Maui and Okinawa Continue reading

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Kanikapila in Hawai’i (part 4)

There’s something different and special about jamming with other ladies (in contrast with an all male or a mixed gender group). It feels like going to an all-female luxury spa, such as the Korean body scrub spa in Seattle some … Continue reading

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Kanikapila in Hawai’i (part 2)

At the beginning of the pandemic, I watched Facebook livestreams of “Unko George” Kahumoku, Jr making music on his farm on Maui. It looked like such fun. He had introduced me to Daniel Ho who then introduced me to the … Continue reading

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Kanikapila in Hawai’i (part 1)

Upon my return to Maui, I got introduced to “kanikapila” — a Hawaiian term describing a spontaneous, impromptu music making with others, usually outdoors. The pandemic made us cautious about indoor activity. Portable instruments such as the ukulele and guitar … Continue reading

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The gift of a music education for yourself or Mother’s Day present

I am forever grateful to my parents for the gift of a music education. I remember my mother tirelessly driving a great distance to my piano teacher’s home off-base on Okinawa. In the hot and humid afternoon, she took a … Continue reading

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Ukulele: ticket to ride

Little did I know that buying my first ukulele and learning to play it would change the direction of my life.

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Nontraditional students and their struggles: the pursuit of degrees

In the UK, older students are called “mature students.” In the US, anyone over 25 studying for their first degree falls into the category of “nontraditional students”. In the Netherlands, it is uncommon to see a mature, nontraditional student at … Continue reading

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