University of Hawaii Board of Regents approves associate in science degrees for Honolulu Community College MELE Program

University of Hawaiʻi
Contact:
Mia Noguchi, (808) 956-9095
External Affairs & University Relations
Posted: Mar 14, 2008

HONOLULU — At its monthly meeting held this week, the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents (BOR) approved the establishment of Associate in Science degree programs in Music Business and Production (MBU) and Audio Engineering Technology (AET). Together, the two degree programs comprise the Music & Entertainment Learning Experience (MELE) program at Honolulu Community College.

The mission of the MELE program is to promote educational pathways to careers in the music industry across the board from songwriting and record production to contracts and career management. The curriculum for both degree paths focuses on combining academic experience with real-world applications to prepare students to work in the rapidly evolving global music industry for the 21st century.

"Hawaiian music is currently experiencing tremendous growth and popularity in the U.S. mainland and Asia. Therefore, it‘s important that the university take the necessary steps to ensure the continued growth of Hawaiʻi‘s music industry," said Honolulu CC Chancellor Ramsey Pedersen. "Our partnership with world renowned Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, is a critical link to the national music scene and the advances in the industry that are happening every day. It‘s not inconceivable to imagine an HCC student gaining experience in an LA, Nashville, or New York studio with some of the most popular artists today."

Outside of the UH system, there are currently no specific degree or certificate programs available in Hawaiʻi that prepare students for a career in the music business and production or audio engineering technology. The program will take effect in Fall 2008.