Music

The curricular K – 12 Music Department and the co-curricular Music School align in vision to offer an incredible breadth and depth of music education and experiences.

The curricular Music Department is the most comprehensive K – 12 program in the state, engaging more than 2,000 Junior School students and over 550 Academy students weekly. The department fosters a lifelong love of music, while instilling valuable skills – independence, persistence, resilience and empathy.

From kindergarten through fourth grade, students take part in general music classes twice per cycle. The journey continues with ensemble music in fifth grade, where students can explore Band, Choir, Mele and Hula, Music Explorations, and Orchestra. In Case Middle School, music remains a significant part of the curriculum with three music classes each cycle. 

In the Academy, students can personalize their music journey. Academy students fulfill a minimum of two years of Visual and/or Performing Arts. The dynamic array of curricular music options include Band, Choir, Orchestra, Guitar, Hawaiian Music Ensemble, and Creative Music courses.

Punahou’s curricular K – 12 Music Department has 18 full-time faculty supporting students’ musical journeys.

The music does not stop at the end of the academic day. Punahou’s co-curricular Music School is the state’s largest community music school, offering a range of courses of study that enhance and expand students’ individual musical development. From private lessons in instrumental, voice, theory, and music production to small group classes in guitar, voice, chamber music, and improvisation for strings. Enriching experiences also include recitals, master classes, workshops and community outreach performances.

Established in 1919, Punahou Music School enrolls more than 725 students annually, including 17% from the broader community, with a faculty of 38 expert artist educators.