Cyril Pahinui

 

 

MEDIA RELEASE

Cyril Pahinui, a traditional master of slack key guitar, teaches a series of classes through the University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Continuing Education and Community Service beginning Jan. 31.  

Pahinui will present a combination of performance and “talk story” as he shares insights to some of his well-loved songs in a music appreciation class.  

Open to musicians and non-musicians alike, the class will incorporate historical information, sharing of personal memories and experiences, and guest hula performances. There will also be an instructional slack key class series for beginning and intermediate players.  

Pahinui teaches several traditional tunings and focuses on those that originated in his family.  Beginning students will learn several songs and the basic techniques of slack key, while the intermediate classes will move on to what Pahinui likes to call the “dis ‘n dat,” which includes styles of finger picking and strumming to open students up to new techniques and realms of improvisation.

A “Hawaiian Music Appreciation” event also is slated 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 in UH-Hilo’s UCB 100.  Cost is $25.  

Slack key classes will be Tuesdays, from Feb. 3 to March 10, with the beginner classes 4:30-5:30 p.m. and the intermediate classes 6-7 p.m. Cost is $80 and both classes will be held at the Manono Campus, Building 381, Room 16.

Registration is required. For further information, contact 974-7664 or ccecs@uhh.hawaii.edu.