The University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu recently hosted the Art of Music Media Masterclass, a free workshop combining the film production and music industries in a collaborative community effort that benefitted local creatives, including students, working professionals, and hobbyists wanting to grow their skills and learn through real-world experience.
Visionize Media, which specializes in cinematic storytelling, launched this first-ever Art of Music Media Masterclass on Oct. 10 and Oct. 12 at UH West O‘ahu. The masterclass was presented by International Cultural Arts Network (ICAN) in partnership with UH West O‘ahu, KS Kaiāulu, Zippy’s, Good Vibez Presents, and Visionize Media.
The masterclass instructor was Visionize Media co-founder and director Antonio J. Agosto, a filmmaker, photographer, and touring media professional with over 15 years of experience in concert and festival production.
“The Art of Music Media Masterclass was created to bring together two industries that are often connected but rarely taught side by side — film production and the music industry,” Agosto said. “The masterclass focused on educating photographers, videographers, and storytellers on how to work in live music environments while also giving musicians and performers the chance to understand how media plays a role in their careers.”
The goal of the masterclass was to build confidence, connection, and community through education, added Agosto, a former UH West O‘ahu student who graduated from UH Mānoa with communication and film degrees.
“I wanted to create a space where students could learn the technical side of music media — lighting, shooting, editing, and storytelling — while also learning the importance of professionalism, ethics, and collaboration,” Agosto said. “It wasn’t just about teaching camera skills; it was about showing how creatives in Hawai‘i can build sustainable careers without having to leave home.”
The power of partnerships
“UH West O‘ahu provided the foundation that made this entire experience possible,” Agosto said, adding that by opening up a classroom and part of the Academy for Creative Media facility for the workshop, UH West O‘ahu “gave students a professional space to learn and create.”
Agosto noted that with the support of all partners involved, the masterclass became more than an educational program — it was a community effort rooted in mentorship and collaboration.
“This masterclass was the latest in a series that UH West O‘ahu has hosted as part of our developing partnership with the International Cultural Arts Network,” said David McDonald, Vice Chancellor for Administration at UH West O‘ahu. “Like the prior (ICAN) courses on animation and special effects, this course provided students and members of the community the opportunity to learn from successful local professionals and to become participants in Hawai‘i’s media and entertainment community.”
Such professionals who contributed their time and talents to the masterclass included singers, songwriters, and musical artists Fia “The Artist Fia” Esene, Keilana Mokulehua, and Josh Tatofi; Sherwin Acidera, co-founder of Visionize Media; Christian Bautista, DJ and professional sound engineer; Sanoe Damon, Deputy Film Commissioner with the Honolulu Film Office; Lei‘a Haff, project manager, producer, and children’s book author; Brian Wallace, filmmaker and podcast host; and Chariya Willis, hair and makeup professional.
“This masterclass wasn’t just a class,” Agosto said. “It was a reminder that Hawai‘i can lead in storytelling. We just need the right opportunities and a strong community to make it happen.”
An ‘unforgettable’ experience for students
The Art of Music Media Masterclass — designed to prepare creatives for real-world opportunities in the music industry — welcomed nearly two dozen participants from various backgrounds, including current students from UH West O‘ahu, UH Mānoa, Honolulu Community College, and Kap‘iolani Community College.
Over two sessions, participants learned how to approach photography and videography across concerts, festivals, music videos, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes storytelling. They explored both the technical side — gear, workflow, crew communication, editing for multiple platforms — and the creative side — building stories, respecting culture, and capturing authentic moments that last forever. Students also gained insights on everything from practicing backstage etiquette to building professionalism and confidence.
The in-class sessions at UH West O‘ahu were followed by a hands-on learning opportunity at the Holo Holo Music Festival, a two-day celebration of music, culture, and aloha spirit held Oct. 18-19 at Bishop Museum. Selected students got the chance to shoot in a live-event setting at the festival and work alongside real production teams.
In a post-masterclass survey, participating students reflected on the full experience.
“The most memorable part for me was to be able to be in a room full of people who have similar interests as me and understand what it’s like to wanting to become a filmmaker/content creator,” wrote one student.
Another student shared, “Being part of a real working media team — whether in a studio setting or at a live concert — made the learning practical and unforgettable.”
Participants commented on the value of meeting and learning from talented artists and experienced professionals in the industry, and working alongside them in a creative space.
“I built this masterclass because I know what it feels like to grow up in Hawai‘i wanting to learn something that no one was teaching,” Agosto said. “We have incredible talent here, but often, creatives feel like they have to leave the islands to grow. My goal was to prove that we can create, teach, and build from right here — and still have a global impact.”
For more about the Art of Music Media Masterclass — including reflections, photos, videos, and other highlights — read Antonio Agosto’s journal article here.