Jody Kamisato was born and raised on the island of O`ahu. Kamisato began singing with the Honolulu Boy Choir at the age of eight. After graduating from Kaiser High School in 1995, he began his journey into the world of `ukulele, learning from `ukulele masters Jake Shimabukuro, Troy Fernandez, Peter Moon and Roy Sakuma.
After graduating from the University of Hawai`i with a degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis on Music Marketing, Jody began teaching with Jake Shimabukuro at `Ukulele Academy and later `Ukulele Essence with Jake’s younger brother Bruce Shimabukuro.
In 2005, Jody released an instructional ukulele DVD entitled “Island Style Ukulele” and as Jody’s music career continues to soar, he founded `Ukulele Hale in 2007. `Ukulele Hale currently teaches 250 students with the help of 3 other instructors. In 2008, Jody extended his `ukulele instructions to Hawaii’s youth by founding an after school community program, Ukes on the Loose, with eleven schools and organizations participating throughout the State of Hawai`i.
Jody’s success continued in 2010 and 2011. He was the recipient of the 15th Annual Hawaii Music Award for Island Contemporary and was nominated for 2 Na Hoku Hano Hano Awards – Most Promising Artists & Contemporary Album of the Year through his group, Heart & Soul.
In 2011, Jody was also awarded the 2011 Big Brother of the Year award for his work and dedication to the non-profit organization, Big Brother Big Sister of Hawaii and his little brother, Skyler. On the same day of receiving this honor, he was also named by Hawaii Business Magazine as a Small Biz Success Awards Finalist for the Community Service work that he does through `Ukulele Hale and Ukes on the Loose.
Currently, you can find Jody performing with Heart & Soul twice a week at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa’s signature show the Starlit Hui.
With the support of his friends, family, students, staff and the community, Jody is on a mission to spur interest in the `ukulele worldwide. His goal in life is to make a difference somehow, somewhere and to leave a legacy served with aloha. Jody Kamisato is more than just a `ukulele instructor, entertainer, and owner of `Ukulele Hale but a true ambassador of the Aloha spirit.
Ukulele Hale 