Maui School For Strings

08/05/2026

I started noticing it last month-every time I restocked our studio's cleaning supplies, another plastic bottle, another plastic-handled brush, another jug heading to the landfill. So I decided to do a real audit of what we were actually using.

Turned out, we had options we'd never considered. We swapped liquid soap bottles for solid bars. Replaced plastic-handled brushes with bamboo ones. And ditched those big pre-mixed jugs for concentrated tablets-foaming hand soap, floor cleaner, window spray, bathroom cleaner, multi-surface. One tablet. One refillable bottle. Less plastic. Way less shipping weight coming to Maui.

Here's what surprised me: it wasn't a sacrifice. The solid soaps last longer. The tablets actually cost less over time. And knowing we cut our plastic footprint AND reduced the carbon from shipping to our island? That feels good.

If you're in Maui and you care about this stuff, you're probably already thinking about your own habits. Start small-one cabinet, one swap. You might be surprised too.

We're just a music school. But we're also part of this community. And that means something to us.

08/03/2026

I've watched homeschool families wrestle with this choice, and I want to be honest about what group violin classes actually are-not a budget compromise, but a *different* learning experience.

Yes, the price is lower. But here's what you're really getting: your kid learns alongside three peers who are exactly where they are. Same teacher, same skill-building, but now there's accountability built in. There's someone to practice with. There's a friend who gets it.

Homeschool kids thrive on peer connection, and violin groups give you that *plus* musicianship. They learn faster because they're not alone. They show up more consistently because their friends are counting on them. And honestly? The joy multiplies when you're making music together.

If your homeschooler has been asking about violin, this might be the entry point you've been looking for. Small group, big impact, real community.

Reach out-I'd love to tell you more about how group classes work and when we're starting the next session.

08/03/2026

That moment when your child's 1/2 or 3/4 size instrument suddenly feels too small? It's a milestone - and it doesn't have to come with financial stress.

Here's the real talk: upgrading to a full-size violin, viola, cello, or bass is a natural part of growing as a musician. But the thought of replacing a rental AND buying a new instrument can feel overwhelming.

That's where our rent-to-own program comes in. You stop paying for the fractional rental, and your child steps into a full-size instrument while you pay toward ownership - no double payments, no guesswork about which instrument to choose. We handle the transition so you can focus on watching your child's confidence grow.

Your child's growth matters. So does your peace of mind.

Ready to make the upgrade? Reach out to us or stop by the studio to talk about what's right for your young musician. We're here to make this milestone smooth and joyful.

08/03/2026

At Maui School for Strings, sustainability and instrument care go hand in hand. 🌿🎻 Our latest blog post explains how small, eco-friendly changes keep our instruments sounding their best while protecting the island we call home. Read more: https://wix.to/shl5Gen

Anyone who grew up watching Captain Planet on Saturday mornings remembers the pitch: Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, Heart, five rings combining into one planet sized superhero fighting pollution. It was cheesy 90s cartoon logic, but the underlying idea struck a chord with a lot of us: small individual ac...

08/02/2026

Big band jazz under the stars tonight in Kihei! 🎺
Wave of Harmony and Jazz Maui presents An Evening of Big Band & Vocal Jazz, featuring the Jazz Maui Big Band, Na Ali'i Jazz Band, and vocalists performing jazz classics.

Saturday, August 1
The Altitude Deck, 650 Lipoa Parkway, Kihei
Doors 5:30, show at 6:00

The Kihei Charter School culinary class will have summer flavored cupcakes for sale, so come hungry.

Tickets and info: waveofharmony.org

07/25/2026

Not ready for school yet? Need to do some last minute shopping that would be easier without the kiddos?

Good news! We have an end of summer music camp with 5 spots remaining. And we're running a last minute sale, book today and get 20% off.

Get your kids in gear to go back to school with our Beginning Violin and Cello Boot Camp! This 9-hour class, held on July 27th, 29th, and 31st from 10 am-1 pm, will provide all the supplies and instruction needed for students to learn how to properly hold, take care of, and play the violi and cellon. Students with their own instruments are welcome to bring them, as long as they are the proper size and in working condition. Taught by Suzuki Certified teacher Roy, this camp is perfect for beginners wanting to explore the world of violin playing. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn a new instrument and have a blast doing it!

Class size limited to 7 students.

07/04/2026

07/02/2026

Last month, a student walked in with a warped bow. We could've just fixed it and sent them on their way. Instead, I showed them exactly what happened during the repair-how the wood was stressed, why tension matters, what proper maintenance prevents.

By the time they left, they understood their instrument in a completely different way. They saw the connection between how they care for their bow and the quality of sound they produce. They got it-not just in their head, but in their hands.

This is why I offer repair and restoration services alongside lessons. A broken bow isn't a setback; it's an opportunity. Every dent, every warp, every frayed hair tells a story about practice habits, storage, handling. And fixing it teaches accountability and craftsmanship in a way that words alone never can.

If your child's instrument needs attention, bring it in. Let's turn it into a learning moment.

07/01/2026

If you're a parent watching your child play on a 1/2 or 3/4 size rental, you know what is coming up I'm talking about- your student hitting the next growth spurt and suddenly you're facing a decision that feels bigger than it should be.

Here's what I want you to know: you have more options than you think.

Through our partnership with Howard Core, we've created a rent-to-own path that keeps you in control. You choose the full-size instrument-the one your child actually wants to grow into. We cover the fractional rental gap while you build equity toward ownership. No shock payment. No pressure. Just a practical bridge from rental to the real thing.

Your child's growth doesn't need to be stifled by a massive up front cost. Neither should your options.

If you're at that crossroads right now, reach out. Let's talk about timing, instruments, and what makes sense for your family.

-Roy

06/30/2026

Removed some cabinets from our kitchenette. Guess what is going in its place?