Steven Kirby Tee, a junior from the Philippines majoring in music with an emphasis in vocal performance, says that coming to BYU–Hawaii was not part of a carefully mapped-out plan—it was the result of small prompts, supportive people, and a lifelong relationship with music that kept leading him forward.
“Lifted Up” By Music
Tee first heard about BYU–Hawaii through friends who had already studied there. “I heard stories about the school and how great the people are,” he said. “Everyone talked about how supportive the environment was, so I got curious.”
When he began BYU–Pathway Worldwide, he wasn’t sure what direction to take academically. “I took the introduction to IT course,” he said, “but soon I realized that wasn’t for me. I knew I needed something different. Something that felt more like me.”
That “something” turned out to be music. “When I got to BYU–Hawaii and decided to pursue a major in music, everything just clicked,” he shared. “Music has always played a significant role in my life. Being an only child, it helped me feel less lonely. It has lifted me in ways I couldn’t imagine, and it helped me come closer to Christ.”
Music Connecting People
Tee grew up Catholic, raised in a home that valued kindness, goodness, and personal integrity. When he encountered The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he initially wondered how it differed from the faith he knew. But what drew him in wasn’t doctrine at first—it was connection. “The missionaries played sports with me,” he said with a laugh. “We bonded through simple things.”
Eventually, he was introduced to church members who shared one of his deepest passions: music. “I ended up forming a band,” he said. “We sang for church events and singing competitions. Through that experience, I felt a sense of belonging I’d never felt before.”
This musical community helped shape his spiritual journey. “That feeling of belonging really touched my heart,” he explained. “Music connected me to people, and those people helped me feel the Spirit. That played a huge part in me joining the Church.”
Singing, Performing, and Trusting
One of the most defining moments of his BYU–Hawaii experience came in 2023, when Tee was cast in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It was his first major musical theater production—and it opened a new chapter in his artistic life. “It was such a blessing,” he said. “I’d never done musical theater before. Suddenly, I was surrounded by people who loved music just as much as I did.”
Since then, Tee has been involved in numerous theater productions, both in and out of BYU–Hawaii, most recently, in the fall 2025 production of Into the Woods.
The experience changed his perspective. “I felt this unity and camaraderie that reminded me why I love performing,” he said. “It helped me realize I don’t just love singing—I love performing. I love storytelling. I love being part of something bigger than myself.”
He said the production taught him discipline, teamwork, and open-heartedness. “When you’re in a musical, you learn to trust people,” he added. “You rely on them, and they rely on you. That shaped me both as a performer and as a person.”
Growing As An Artist
Before BYU–Hawaii, Tee saw himself primarily as a pop singer. “I loved Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheeran—all of them,” he said. “I thought I’d become a singer-songwriter, publish albums, and go that route.”
But being exposed to new genres at BYU–Hawaii opened unexpected doors. “In one of my classes, I sang a musical theater song,” he shared. “That moment changed everything. I fell in love with it instantly.” His major, which has a vocal performance emphasis, helped him refine this newfound passion. “My classes helped me grow as an artist,” he said. “They pushed me, stretched me, and helped me discover parts of my voice I didn’t know were there.”
Beyond personal growth, Tee hopes to use his musical skills to bless others—especially in the Philippines. “I want to introduce more people in my home country to the beauty of performing in musicals,” he said. “Music can make people feel they belong. And honestly, I believe it can help people who are struggling with things like depression. I want to share that healing.”
Music as Discipleship
Tee’s experiences at BYU–Hawaii have not only shaped his identity as an artist but also deepened his discipleship. Being a vocal performance major means constant collaboration—and with that, continuous learning.
“I’m part of the Salsa Orchestra and the Hoʻolōkahi Chamber Choir,” he said. “Being in ensembles means working with people whose cultures are different from mine, whose musical backgrounds are different, whose perspectives are different.”
These interactions have broadened his perspective on the world. “Working with people from all over the world helped me understand that the Lord blesses each of His children uniquely,” he said. “He helps us work together despite our differences.”
The experience has shaped him spiritually as well. “Being surrounded by people from different cultures has taught me acceptance,” he shared. “Jesus Christ accepts each one of us, no matter where we come from or how we were raised. Learning to do the same, not just in life but in music, has strengthened my relationship with Him.”
The friendships he’s made across countries and cultures are one of Steven Kirby Tee’s greatest treasures. “These people are like family now,” he said. “Music brought us together, but Jesus Christ helped us grow together.”