Testimonials

What Our Students Say:

"I have greatly enjoyed my experience with the HPAF.  The voice and coaching faculty was excellent.  They invest so much of themselves into the students, and their hard work and dedication was reflected in the student’s performances."
--Sara Lloyd, University of Illinois

"I have enjoyed every minute that I have been here.  I have learned so much from everybody, from the faculty to other participants. I’ve been so grateful for the experiences and the opportunities here at HPAF, not to mention the wonderful friendships and networking I’ve been able to gain." -- Sharon Suh, San Francisco Conservatory

"I’m so grateful to all the faculty.  This has been an amazing experience!  Thank you!!!!!!!!!!  Everybody has been excellent and very nurturing to all the students. Thank you [about hundred !’s here]" -- Victor Romero, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

"The HPAF provided a truly life-altering experience for me this last summer.  As one of the Developing Artists, and a senior in college, I still have quite a journey ahead of me in terms of my career as an opera singer.  Before attending the festival I felt I was in a rut in both lesson and performance.  I couldn’t understand why these teachers were able to make it so much easier and enjoyable to sing.  The teachers I worked with opened my eyes to new technique that brought me back to a healthier place in my singing.  I feel that without this experience I would have graduated and been at a total loss.  I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with so many world-renowned singers and instructors all within the gorgeous state of Hawai’i.  I made some incredible friends on my trip as well, who all shared an equal passion for music.  Even though I only attended the 10-day session, I can say without a doubt, I will carry these friendships and connections throughout my entire career." -- Laurel Semerdjian, University of Southern California

“I think it was a great experience to get to know vocalists as well as people who play other instruments.  It was the first time I got to play with professional musicians in chamber and orchestra!  My private lesson teacher was very helpful---Mr. Jang helped me with phrasing and technique and was an inspiring teacher.  It was an eye opening experience in one of the most beautiful places in the world.” -- Ming Tanigawa-Lau, violin, scholarship winner

"HPAF is where I found my "voice". We at HPAF are all musicians extending an experienced hand to the next generation of performing hopefuls. Again, thank you for all your guidance and opportunities. I will always be grateful.  I hope to continue to recommend the festival to many up and  coming voices..." -- Renee Saindon, HPAF Alumna, Boston, Massachusetts

"Thank you once again for having me at the festival this season.  It was truly a superb experience for me, and I'm already missing not only the island, but all the wonderf ul people involved with HPAF." --  Ethan Watermeier, New York

"HPAF is a great program. In just three weeks, I was able to study with amazing teachers, meet other musicians and form lasting friendships, tour the Big Island, spend time at the beach, and most importantly, learn new music and improve my vocal technique. With a good balance of work and play, I never found myself bored or overworked...I saw noticeable changes in my voice and technique by the end of the program. I would highly recommend HPAF."
 -- Michael B., San Francisco, California

"I met some amazingly talented and caring people...To be honest, before the festival, I had no idea what it was that I was going to do next with my life...Thank you for all your hard work." -- Chris Ramos, Hilo, Hawaii, San Francisco Conservatory
 
"...you guys were just amazing. When I got back I really realized how much I learned in the whole experience of singing..."  -- Njabulo Madlala, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London, England

What Our Audiences Say:

"Such a beautiful concert, I cried when I came home. I don’t need to go to another concert this year when I have seen such beauty and love and tenderness between musicians. It was a staggering performance for me.  It was so special. I will never forget it."  Scarlett Bill, Kailua-Kona, referring to "So In Love" which featured Val Underwood, Jennifer McGregor, Kurt Ollmann, Iggy Jang and Irwin Jiang

"Thank you for the privilege of the concert at Mauna Lani...what a wonderful demonstration of talent and a program that mentors the up and coming stars." -- Sandra Schaefer, Audience Member

"The concert last night was fantastic.  The energy and expertise of those young singers is remarkable!  And it looked like they thoroughly enjoyed themselves--which is a major part of presentation." -- Carolyn Witcher, Kailua-Kona