UH Hilo Performing Arts Department

UH Hilo registration for Fall 2026 is happening NOW. Interested in Public Speaking, education, working in science or museums or sharing aspects of Hawaiian culture? Consider taking this class: DRAM 387: Performance Education (cross-listed as COM 387) Tuesdays/Thursdays 12:30-1:45pm. CRN81830

DRAM387 PerformanceEd A short video introducing the 3-credit UH Hilo Course, DRAM387/COM387: Performance Education. In this course, students are guided through the process of rese...

It’s time to register for Fall 2026! Have you taken Beginning Acting yet?

mahinaproductions 4 likes. "DRAM221 promo"

Damien Stack... an artist with so much potential -- remember his name!

How does one multi-talented Hawaiian studies major want to change the world? Decolonize Western theater, create a new vision - UH Hilo Stories Composer, playwright, and musician Damien Stack is integrating Hawaiian elements into local theater. “I want to create a body of work where universal human themes are explored through Hawaiian culture.”

Another of our students who we're so proud of at UH Hilo!

UH Hilo senior Wainohia Peloso builds her academic journey with ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, performing arts, and creative writing - UH Hilo Stories Wainohia Peloso has long combined Hawaiian language and culture with her own creativity, studying both ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and a multitude of other art forms.

It was a pleasure to host this 2-day Actors Intensive workshop with the wonderfully kind and talented Mark Dacascos, in cooperation with ICAN and Hawai’i County 🩷

Learning to play an instrument can increase IQ in children by strengthening the brain through a combination of auditory, physical and cognitive demands, which stimulates neuroplasticity. This full-brain “workout” builds new neural connections and strengthens areas of the brain related to memory, attention, and executive functions like planning and multitasking. As a result, children who study music often show improvements in cognitive skills and academic performance, such as in math and language.

🗂️How Music Boosts Brain Function:

📑Stimulates Neuroplasticity: Playing an instrument forces the brain to work harder, creating new neural pathways and strengthening connections, especially in regions responsible for memory, attention and motor skills.

📑Enhances Executive Function: The mental discipline, planning and focus required for learning and performing music improve executive functions like planning, problem-solving and multitasking.

📑Improves Sensory and Motor Skills: The activity engages multiple brain regions, including the auditory and motor cortices, improving coordination, fine motor control, and the ability to process sensory information.

📑Boosts Academic Performance: Studies show a correlation between music education and higher scores in math, reading and language tests.

📑Develops Abstract Thought: Music training can enhance the brain’s ability to process and synthesize new information, improving abstract and logical reasoning skills.

PMID: 21614212

Music is one of the strongest tools for early brain growth. Children learn best through sound, rhythm, and movement, and these experiences build important pathways in the developing mind. Music supports thinking skills long before homework can make a difference.

Researchers found that even one year of music lessons can raise a child’s IQ in a meaningful way. The combination of rhythm, listening, and coordination activates many parts of the brain at the same time. This activity strengthens memory, focus, and problem solving.

When children clap, sing, or explore simple instruments, their brain becomes more flexible. These moments train attention and pattern recognition, which help with reading and learning later. Music also supports emotional growth by giving children a safe way to express feelings.

Parents may think music is only a hobby, but science shows it is a powerful form of training. It teaches timing, patience, and listening, skills that shape strong thinking habits. These lessons help the brain grow in ways that worksheets cannot.

Offering music in daily life, even through simple songs or steady beats, supports healthy development. With time and practice, children gain confidence and sharper thinking, showing how deeply music guides the mind during early growth.

Students: Although this class is full, there IS a waiting list you can get on! In STAR, select "personal choice" and make sure to toggle the button at the top that says "show closed courses" so MUS 107: Music in World Cultures (CRN 10151) shows up for you. Then, there's a little blue or green ">" symbol, which, if you click, will show more information and a button that you can click to get on the wait list. If enough students get on the wait list, we can open up another section.

MUS107 Music in World Cultures A short video highlighting UH Hilo's 3-credit MUSIC class: MUS 107: Music in World Cultures. https://hilo.hawaii.edu/depts/performingarts/

Don’t forget to catch SCARY SCENARIOS (online for Free)…
our Halloween treat for you! 🎃 👻

Scary Scenarios 2025 Scary Scenarios is presented each Halloween as a co-production by the University of Hawai'i at Hilo Performing Arts department & Performing Arts Center.In 20...