THE GarcÍa School

The García School is an immersive vocal workshop based on the principles of the García Vocal Method (1841 Complete Treatise on the Art of Singing) / bel canto traditions. The workshop aims to provide singers an opportunity to focus on process and technique, stressing the importance of daily legato work and classic Italianate laryngeal registration (ex. incorporating the proper use of chest voice up to an F4 in the treble voice).

In 2026, we are delighted to continue our long-standing collaboration with the Pahala Plantation House. Nestled in the small town of Pahala, Hawai‘i—about twenty miles south of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park—this beautifully restored sugar plantation house, once owned and managed by the late Julia Neal, serves as our welcoming home base.

The house and its stunning grounds provide a full kitchen, a spacious meeting room, giant living room and multiple indoor and outdoor teaching areas. It also doubles as one of our performance venues, where the community comes together to share in music and celebration. Lessons and coaching sessions are open for all participants to observe, creating opportunities for everyone to learn and grow.

Singers are housed in comfortable local accommodations. Daily transportation to and from the house is provided by HIMF.

The workshop includes:

• VOCAL & ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT

  • Daily Voice lessons & coachings

  • Master classes in Italian, Spanish, French & German repertoire

  • Public masterclass

  • Daily roundtable analyzing parts of Garcia’s 1841 Treatise on the Art of Singing & other early bel canto treatises

  • À la carte options for local singers to participate in lessons, coachings and master classes.

• PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

  • Concerts

  • Orchestral collaboration with HIMF/Chamber Orchestra of Kona including one rehearsal and one recording session of operatic arias. (additional fee/ also available à la carte )

• CULTURAL & EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

  • Learn about Native Hawaiian chant and hula from a Native Hawaiian chanter

  • Introduction to Hawai‘i through sightseeing and other unique cultural experiences including the Punalu'u Black Sand Beach and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

• WELLNESS & LIFESTYLE

  • Chef-prepared meals

  • NEW THIS YEAR: Introduction to Japanese Shinrin Yoku Forest Bathing by a certified Shinrin Yoku Practitioner.

  • Yoga

  • Professional PR Photos Mini-Session (included!)

2026 Faculty

• Amy Shoremount-Obra (Internationally Acclaimed Metropolitan Opera Soprano; Professor of Voice- Conservatory of Music at Brooklyn College. Japanese Shinrin Yoku Practitioner (candidate). Founder- The García School, Co-Founder HIMF)

• Audrey Luna (GRAMMY Award-Winning Internationally Acclaimed Soprano- Metropolitan Opera, Vienna State Opera, Royal Opera Covent Garden, Houston Grand Opera; Voice Teacher)

• Maika’i Nash (Native Hawaiian Internationally Acclaimed Collaborative Pianist/Coach)

• Monica Chung (Kauai based Internationally Acclaimed Collaborative Pianist/Conductor, Yoga Instructor)

• Tammy Hensrud (Internationally Acclaimed Mezzo-Soprano, Metropolitan Opera, Vienna State Opera, Stuttgart Opera, Theatre de Chatelet, Professor of Voice & Coordinator of Vocal Studies- Hofstra University)

• Dr. Morgan Manifacier (Internationally Acclaimed French Tenor, Assistant Professor of Voice- Baylor University)

• Dr. Maya Sypert (Internationally Acclaimed Mezzo-Soprano, Professor of Music, Associate Music Department Chair & Voice Area Head - University of Hawai‘i at Mãnoa)

• Eric Silberger (Internationally Acclaimed Virtuoso Violinist, Conductor, Recording Engineer, Co-Founder of HIMF)

• Special Guests

• Sherrill Milnes (GRAMMY Award-Winning, Dramatic Verdi Baritone. Co-Founder of the VOICExperience Foundation and Savannah Voice Festival. A living legend who will join us for a very special and interactive virtual conversation!)

• Joe Camacho (Native Hawaiian Chanter)