Extra-curricular music activities in Hong Kong secondary schools

This study highlights the importance of extra-curricular activities to students' development. It reviews the phenomenon of extra-curricular activities in different countries and in Hong Kong, and discusses issues that arise. The aim of the study was to provide a profile of the provision of extra-curricular music activities in Hong Kong secondary schools, and to make recommendations for future development. A telephone survey was conducted among music teachers from 426 secondary schools in Hong Kong. Questions concerning the different types of classes and activities available were asked. Topics that emerged for discussion included the predominance of piano playing amongst music teachers, few teachers play traditional Chinese instruments, issues of equality of opportunity, increased popularity of Chinese music, lack of provision for popular music and music technology, and the predominance of choral performance. Copyright © 2003 Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business.