Roy Sakuma has been teaching the ukulele since the 1970's. He opened his first studio back in 1974 and he's founded two amazing festivals dedicated to this amazing instrument.

Waikoloa Ukulele Festival

The Waikoloa Ukulele Festival is this Saturday, March 1st. It'll feature a concert with artists like Raiatea Helm and Holunape as well as Roy himself. From 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. there will be a free clinic for those who want to learn to play. The concert starts at 2 p.m.

About Roy

Roy Sakuma credits the ukulele, a song and inspirational mentors with helping him turn his young life around after being kicked out of high school. In 1964, when he heard a hit song, "Sushi", by master ukulele virtuoso Herb "Ohta-San" Ohta, he sought him out and became an avid student. Roy wore out the frets of his ukulele, practicing eight to 10 hours a day. At the age of 16, he set out to become the best ukulele player in the world. Learning from Ohta-San opened up a whole new world for him. Soon Ohta-San asked him to teach his classes while he went on tour in Japan. Roy immediately discovered that his true calling was not in performing but in teaching. When Ohta-San encouraged his young protege to venture out on his own, he didn't follow in Ohta-San's footsteps as a performing artist. Instead, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to teaching. Roy taught for Ohta-San and Kamaka Ukulele until he opened his first of four teaching studios, Roy Sakuma Ukulele Studios, in 1974.

Related Links:

• http://www.roysakuma.net/

---