The Art of Music Media Masterclass, recently hosted by the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu, offered local creatives—including working professionals, hobbyists and students—an intensive, free workshop merging film production and music industries. The masterclass, held two days in October, aimed to grow skills through real-world experience.
Nearly two dozen participants joined the workshop, including students from UH West Oʻahu, UH Mānoa, Honolulu Community College, and Kapiʻolani Community College. The goal was to build confidence and community through education.
Students learned technical skills, such as video lighting, shooting, editing and workflow, alongside professional aspects, such as backstage etiquette, ethics and professionalism. For the hands-on capstone, selected students shot content alongside real production teams during the Holo Holo Music Festival.
One student reflected, “Being part of a real working media team—whether in a studio setting or at a live concert—made the learning practical and unforgettable.”
Connected industry skills
Instructor Antonio J. Agosto, Visionize Media co-founder and a former UH West Oʻahu student, designed the program drawing on his 15 years of experience in concert and festival production.
Agosto explained the course focused on educating photographers, videographers and storytellers on how to work in live music environments while also giving musicians and performers the chance to understand how media plays a role in their careers.
“The Art of Music Media Masterclass was created to bring together two industries that are often connected but rarely taught side by side—film production and the music industry,” Agosto said.
Agosto also emphasized that the training was designed to foster local talent.
“It wasn’t just about teaching camera skills; it was about showing how creatives in Hawaiʻi can build sustainable careers without having to leave home,” he said. “This masterclass wasn’t just a class—it was a reminder that Hawaiʻi can lead in storytelling. We just need the right opportunities and a strong community to make it happen.”
The collaborative effort was launched by Visionize Media, and presented by International Cultural Arts Network (ICAN) in partnership with UH West Oʻahu, KS Kaiāulu, Zippy’s, Good Vibez Presents and Visionize Media.
For more visit Ka Puna O Kaloʻi.
—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman
