Daniel Akemoto had an interest for music at an early age.  He was introduced to the `ukulele in his elementary school music class.

He attended Kalani High School, where he participated in the music curriculum and graduated in 1991.  Daniel also attended the University of Hawai`i and obtained both his Baccalaureate degree in Music (1997 alumnus) as well as his PBSCE Secondary Education degree (1999 alumnus), while actively participating in the university’s prestigious band programs, which include concert band, jazz band and orchestra.  He is now an honored member of the American Society of Composers, Arrangers and Publishers (ASCAP) and The Tenrikyo Institute of Music in Nara, Japan.  His compositions have been performed by the Hawai`i Youth Symphony Organization, Mizunami Civic Symphony Orchestra, Koseto Brasswood Band, Honolulu Community Concert Band, and Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra.

Daniel studied ukulele under Roy Sakuma `Ukulele Studios for approximately nine years.  His interest in the `ukulele has grown and he, along with a few friends, founded a Hawaiian/Contemporary group called Kui Lima.  He also performs with the Honolulu Community Concert Band and the Royal Hawaiian Band.

Daniel spends most of his free time correcting people on how to spell his name (not really, he doesn’t care), reading, drawing, writing music, writing poetry, listening to his ipod touch, catching the bus.

Interesting facts:

1. Dances hula, used to take ballet
   

2. Studied Taekwondo, played tennis, baseball and coached volleyball
   

3. Coached/choreographed the Colorguard for Kalani HS Marching Band
   

4. Has studied kimono and competed in a kimono contest in Japan
   

5. Has studied some psychology, and claims not to use it... or does he??
   

6. Has a Minister’s Degree