ALOHA! I’M YI-JU,
FOUNDER OF MUSIC AINA
I’m an enthusiastic music educator, yoga practitioner and life adventurer! I am passionate about offering the most beneficial and delightful music experience to keiki (children) and their ‘ohana (family) whether that’s with private/group ukulele and piano lessons or family music for newborns to 9-year-olds.
“Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart.” -Pablo Casals
I created Music Aina for developing family bounding and having joyful time through singing, dancing, and playing instruments!
A bit of my background...
I was born and raised in Taiwan before moving to the United States for my advanced education. I received my Master’s in Music at California State University, Long Beach. From there, I earned my Doctorate of Music Education at the University of Hawai’i Manoa as well as my Certificates and licenses in Kodaly, Orff, Music Learning Theory, and Musikgarten.
I’m the music director at Lunalilo Elementary School where I also teach music classes and the 5th grade band. I offer piano and ukulele lessons and music workshops in both private and group settings.
I believe keeping up with new teaching methods and technology is imperative in education so I participate in continuing education through workshops worldwide.
I live in Honolulu, Hawai’i with my husband, Dr. Kameron Slaten, who is an Anesthesiologist. We love to cook, garden, explore nature and travel together!