At the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, music is more than performance. For Joe Williams, it is legacy.
Williams, a doctoral student in music composition and graduate assistant in the Department of Music, has been named the 2026 Vanguard Award recipient for Classical Innovation and Community Impact. The honor, presented by Javacya Arts Conservatory on February 13 in Florida, recognizes his work as a recording artist, educator and arts leader.
“In the African-American community, receiving public recognition from an elder is a significant milestone,” said Williams. “It is an invitation into legacy and comes with tremendous responsibility. There is no greater honor.”
Music with purpose
Williams was the final mentee of Frances Walker-Slocum, a pioneering pianist and music educator. Drawing from that lineage, Williams’ work spans composition, teaching and advocacy.
“The UH Mānoa Department of Music is very proud to have Joe among our graduate students,” said department chair Donald Womack. “Beyond his excellent work as a composer, we’re happy to see him recognized as the versatile, multi-faceted musician, educator and advocate for social justice that he is.”
Williams has premiered and recorded works by composers of African descent. He has also produced films highlighting cultural leaders including William Chapman Nyaho, Maxine B. Mimms and Maya Angelou.
“UH has deepened my music studies by empowering me to research and perform music from the Asia and Pacific regions,” said Williams. “There is no other music department in the country that affords such opportunities.”
Williams also teaches private piano lessons to students ages 4 through high school, with particular expertise in teaching neurodivergent learners, including students with autism and ADHD.
Free public recital
He will perform in an upcoming recital on March 12 at 7 p.m. in Orvis Auditorium on campus, performing the complete piano works of African American composers Betty Jackson King and Richard Thompson. The event is free and open to the public.
