| Where most ukulele virtuosos are known for their | | | | Roy Sakuma is also the founder of the Ukulele |
| playing and recording, Roy Sakuma is known for | | | | Festival, a huge event that started in 1971. The |
| his teaching. A protege of the renowned ukulele | | | | festival centers on performance, but there is |
| player Ohta-san, Sakuma has dedicated his life to | | | | plenty of opportunity to learn about the |
| fostering interest in the instrument by teaching | | | | instrument, as well; fitting, given that one of the |
| others how to play it. His methods allows students | | | | most respected ukulele teachers is its founder. He |
| who have no experience with music to develop a | | | | says that one of the most prominent reasons for |
| love for the instrument that will follow them | | | | doing the hard work of putting together the |
| throughout their lives, even if they can't read a | | | | Ukulele Festival year after year is that the ukulele |
| note of music when they start. Along with his | | | | offers so much to those who hear it. He credits |
| wife, he operates several ukulele schools on the | | | | music with giving his life direction and the ukulele |
| Hawaiian Islands. | | | | with bringing joy to anyone who hears it played. |
| Roy Sakuma was first inspired to play the ukulele | | | | Some of the biggest names in Hawaiian music, |
| upon hearing Ohta-san's first single, "Sushi" on the | | | | including the legendary Ohta-san and Israel |
| radio. The instrument spoke to him and he sought | | | | Kamakawiwoole have graced the stage at the |
| out Ohta-san-also known as Herb Ohta-to begin | | | | Ukulele festival. Israel Kamakawiwoole's biggest hit, |
| lessons. He quickly proved himself a capable and | | | | "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", was among |
| dedicated student. Like his protégé, Ohta-san | | | | those that the artist performed at the festival. |
| was a dedicated teacher of the instrument, who | | | | People come back year after year to see the |
| sometimes allowed his best students to take | | | | festival, a rather impressive feat considering that |
| over instruction when Ohta-san himself was out | | | | Hawaii is home to such diversions as Waikiki |
| of town. This would prove to be the impetus that | | | | Beach and some of the most beautiful scenery in |
| set Sakuma's career as a teacher in motion. He | | | | the nation. He has taught thousands of students |
| discovered that his passion was for teaching, | | | | to play the instrument that the festival is designed |
| rather than playing, and he has continued to give | | | | to showcase. |
| lessons ever since. | | | | |