The place of traditional music culture under the umbrella of music education in Hong Kong

Since 1997, Hong Kong has been a Special Administration Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China. Under the new government, there were numerous social, economical, and political changes. In music education, the issue of the teaching and preservation of traditional Chinese music culture becomes a hot subject of discussion. The issue is not limited to Hong Kong but also an issue of traditional music cultures in Asian countries with similar political and social background like that of Hong Kong. With reference to Fullan’s suggestion (1996), a preliminary model of factors affecting the place of traditional music in music education was developed. These factors include elements within and outside the school system. In this paper, an overview of the current situation of Hong Kong’s education with regard to traditional Chinese music will be examined and discussed. These factors are the existing education system and music curriculum, classroom teaching and extra-curricula within the school, the current situation of teacher-education and media, arts education policy, and government’s education policy. It is suggested that the implementation of policy for educational change can only be successful with collaboration from various sectors of the society. At the same time, the preservation of traditional music culture in music education can only find its place under the umbrella of music education with the joint effort of these factors. Copyright © 1999 Australian Society for Music Education NSW Chapter Inc.