Pacific Music Institute is a place for our students to grow without judgment, and that means it’s not just about improving their craft! Questions about pursuing a music degree? Auditions? Life in general? These are all topics students can learn about at PMI 2026, in thanks to our Orchestral Learning Alliance (OLA) Teaching Fellows. Every musician faces uncertainty and possibility in their musical journey, and (having been there) our OLA fellows provide mentorship and a sounding board for PMI students.
Honor Hickman, one of our OLA Teaching Fellows in 2025, explains the relationship: “It brings me a lot of joy to see that I can do something as a musician and a teacher that can help younger folks discover themselves and discuss themselves as musicians and people.” You could think of our Teaching Fellows as older musical siblings!
So, what will happen this summer when a Midwest bassoonist, award-winning flutist, and a versatile oboist come together? Only our PMI 2026 students will be able to tell you that! In partnership with the National Orchestral Institute + Festival (NOI+F), we can’t wait to introduce the three fellows who will be hands-on with musicians this summer. With their breadth of experience, we know their advice and expertise will resonate with Hawai‘i’s young musicians. Without further ado, meet the 2026 OLA Fellows!
Jason Huang, Bassoon
Earning a Bachelor of Music degree from Northwestern University and a Master of Music degree from DePaul, Jason Huang has lots of musical experience in the Midwest. He has performed as principal bassoon under the batons of Marin Alsop, Carlos Miguel Prieto, Victor Yampolsky, and Mallory Thompson, and has been invited to participate in the Jackson Hole Chamber Music Festival as an emerging artist.
Jason is a proud alumnus of the NOI+F, Berlin Opera Academy, and Eastern Music Festival. He is an example of the impact that positive mentorship can have on young musicians. Jason’s journey back to the NOI+F as a fellow shows the sustainable change that the OLA Teaching Fellows Program makes in our communities. Inspired musicians such as Jason are now paying it forward to ensure that the next generation have greater opportunities for music education.
Maya Stock, Flute
Maya Stock is a recent graduate of the Eastman School of Music, with a bachelor’s degree in flute performance. In the fall, Maya will begin her master’s degree at the Rice University Shepherd School of Music, studying with Marianne Gedigian. She has prior experience as a fellow, at both the 2024 National Orchestral Institute and the 2023 Colorado College Summer Music Festival.
Prior to starting her master’s program, Maya is bringing her breadth of flute experience to PMI 2026! Starting her music journey in the fifth grade, she understands what PMI students are currently experiencing in their music education. Maya is committed to passing her knowledge to the next generation of aspiring musicians and creating brighter music futures for our communities!
Brendan Shirk, Oboe
Brendan Shirk has developed a diverse repertoire of musical experiences through schooling at the Eastman School of Music and the Shenandoah Conservatory. With both a bachelor’s degree in oboe performance and a master’s degree in music performance, Brendan brings versatility and passion as a fellow; he’s performed with experimental chamber ensembles, played percussion in a klezmer group, performed bass in an indie rock band, all on top of pursuing a career playing oboe and English horn.
With Brendan’s interest in different music genres, he is able to pull from his personal experiences to connect with a wide range of musicians. His ultimate goal is to share the gift of music through meaningful and engaging performances, and seeks to fulfill that purpose as a fellow during PMI 26.
Bringing Music to the Communities Across the Islands
This July, the OLA Teaching Fellows are sharing their passion for music with communities across the islands through outreach concerts on O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island. We’re grateful for their help to make music accessible to communities across the state and for sharing their talents in libraries, schools, and senior centers. You can find them:
Tuesday, July 7th
Friday, July 10th
Join us at these events for a beautiful showcase of the artistry of woodwind music, and stay for conversations with our OLA Teaching Fellows on music education and career development.
Building a Long-Lasting Music Legacy
Through outreach programs and active participation with PMI students, the OLA Teaching Fellows are fostering an inclusive music community in Hawaiʻi. With a combination of experience and musical expertise, the 2026 OLA Teaching Fellows will bring world-class music education to underserved communities, inspiring the next generation of musicians. They provide a blueprint for students, demonstrating that opportunities are within reach with the proper instruction and support. At Pacific Music Institute, we love creating a long-lasting music legacy in our communities with the OLA Teaching Fellows Program!