bill murata memorial scholarship

The Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts Bill Murata Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to two individuals in the amount of $3000.00 each. Recipients must have exhibited a demonstrable interest and concentration in the area of Hawaiian music, the music of Hawai‘i, and/or Hawaiian poetry and adhere to the criteria specified within the application.

scholarship criteria

Those wishing to apply must:

1. Be a Hawai‘i state resident.

2. Be attending, or plan to attend a Hawai‘i college or university.

3. Be a sophomore or greater with supporting documents.

4. Undergraduates must maintain a 2.0 cumulative G.P.A. and earn a minimum of “C” grade for all courses in the music or Hawaiian language component of their degree. Graduates must maintain a 3.0 cumulative G.P.A.

5. Cumulative end of semester transcripts must accompany the Application (all semesters completed to date).

6. Two (2) letters of recommendation must accompany the Application. Letters should be from people who are familiar with the applicant’s
1) abilities in relation to Hawaiian music traditions;
2) efforts to preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian music; and/or
3) accomplishments in music, Hawaiian music or Hawaiian poetry. Letters from family members will not be considered.

7. All applicants must complete a Scholarship Essay that must include but not be limited to the following points:

• Why do you wish to receive the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts Bill Memorial Scholarship?
• What is your interest and concentration in the area of Hawaiian music, music of Hawai‘i and/or Hawaiian poetry?
• Why is Hawaiian music / Hawaiian language important to you?

8. Support material must accompany the Application. A recording of two (2) songs, either original compositions or covers, vocal or instrumental versions will be accepted; or the submission of two (2) of the applicant’s mele of original composition.

9. Applicants are encouraged to list community activities, performances, honors, awards and other evidence of their recognition in the area of music, Hawaiian music / Hawaiian language; or gives evidence of their participation in the perpetuation and preservation of Hawaiian music / language or poetry.

10. All award recipients must develop and conduct a 10–minute end–of–year presentation to include a brief sketch of the applicant (field of study, any honors or accomplishments to date, etc.) and how the Bill Murata Memorial Scholarship has assisted in attaining the applicant’s goals. The presentation will be made to the General Membership, the Board of Governors, and guests at the Lifetime Achievement Awards Luncheon.

11. All award recipients must also submit a three (3) page essay related to one of the following topics: (This essay will be submitted at the end of the scholarship period, but no later than one year following the receipt of the award.)
• The perpetuation and preservation of Hawaiian music in the recording industry.
• What is Hawaiian music?
• What makes Hawaiian music Hawaiian?
• The perpetuation and growth of Hawaiian music outside Hawai‘i.
• Hawaiian music today: cultural? or commercial?
• The significance and importance of language in Hawaiian music.

application and instructions

Scholarship is awarded at the Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards.

Additional application forms may be obtained from the Academy office located at 949 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 103 (Musicians Association Building).

Please return the competed applications to:
P.O. Box 821, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96808

Click on the following links to download the the 2010 scholarship application.

scholarship committee

Lea Uehara, Scholarship Chair
Ku‘uipo Kumukahi, Co-Chair
Randall Hongo, Committee member
Dr. M. Puakea Nogelmeier, Committee member
Neva Rego, Committee member