Hawaii and Nashville are combining forces to create a new and innovative program designed to foster and promote Hawaii’s unique music industry. The Music Enterprise Learning Experience program, or MELE, is a joint venture between Hawaii Community College (HCC) and Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business in Nashville, Tennessee.

Unlike other musical programs offered at college campuses, the MELE will not be teaching students how to sing or play an instrument. Instead, the program focuses on elements of working in the music and entertainment industry- such as songwriting, record production, contracts, intellectual property and career management.

Proposed over two years ago to HCC Chancellor Ramsey Pedersen by Gavan Daws, a local author and historian, and by Jim Ed Norman, a former Warner Brother’s Records president and now well-known music producer, the MELE program is now in full swing. With real-life hands-on experience, including live discussions from top lecturers and professionals in the music industry, courses are designed to be interactive and true to life.

Curriculum is shared via live telecasts with Belmont University’s Mike Curb College, over 4,000 miles away. Through these telecasts, students are exposed to the marketing, business and mathematical aspects within the industry. These essential assets will provide Hawaii students with cutting-edge skills needed to work in top music companies.

According to Gavan Daws, bolstering Hawaii’s unique music industry is paramount, especially in this technological age. “Digital music is Web-based and downloadable, meaning that a song from anywhere can go anywhere, which means there is no limit to where music from Hawaii can go.” Providing students with practical skills means the music of Hawaii has potential to permeate both national and international music markets, as well as establish a lasting global impact. 

Local artist, Robert Cazimero, also supports the plan.

"As a musician in Hawaii, it is important that the culture and music industry continue to flourish. By creating an educated music industry workforce, the MELE Program will serve to advance this global industry and most importantly, better the lives of the people of Hawaii."

HCC currently offers two courses for students: IS 197, Survey of Music Business and IS 297, History of Recording Business. HCC plans to implement additional courses in the future, such as Survey of Recording Technology, Music Publishing, Intellectual Property, Audio Engineering I and Studio Production.

At HCC, students are able attain an Associate degree concentrated in Music Business, Entertainment Studies or Audio Engineering. After completing a year, students are able to apply for local and national internships facilitated through Belmont University. Furthermore, credits are transferable if students wish to continue their education at Belmont University and receive a Bachelor’s degree in the subject.

In addition to creating more courses at HCC, the MELE program also entails building a world-class music studio facility, which is projected to be completed sometime in late 2008 or early in 2009. The program has received an education grant of $2.4 million funded by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and a five-year Title III Developing Institutions grant.