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Departments
The Department of Chinese Music is the only institution in Hong Kong to offer professional training in Chinese instrumental performance. Students receive training in solo and ensemble playing through individual tuition on Major and Minor Study instruments and participation in rehearsals and performances. Academic courses in Chinese music history and analysis also prepare students for careers in teaching and research. Upon graduation, students are able to perform in professional Chinese orchestras, undertake research and private teaching concerning their Major Study instruments, and engage in classroom teaching in primary and secondary schools. The Department's music ensembles have toured USA, Canada, UK, Austria, the Netherlands, Japan and New Zealand.
Department of Composition and Electronic Music
Students in the Department of Composition and Electronic Music are encouraged to experiment and express their creative ideas in a personal style. They gain knowledge and facility in working with Western and Chinese music resources as well as in electro-acoustic composition. There are many opportunities for performances of students' compositions in workshops and public concerts, and for multi-media projects in collaboration with the other Schools of Dance, Film and Television, and Technical Arts. Many students have received scholarships to attend activities such as international conferences and short study courses with composers in Mainland China.
Department of Keyboard
The Department of Keyboard comprises the Major Study areas of piano and organ. Pianists with potential to pursue careers as soloists and chamber musicians may choose to follow a more concentrated programme of study in the Advanced Diploma and BMus (Hons) Degree programmes. Post-graduate programmes are offered in piano pedagogy, accompaniment and performance. In addition to individual Major Study tuition, students take a range of core courses in keyboard musicianship skills, repertoire, knowledge of keyboard instruments, pedagogy, accompaniment and chamber music. They are also encouraged to extend their knowledge of performance practice and interpretive traditions through organ, harpsichord or fortepiano studies. Opportunities to perform as soloist, accompanist or chamber music player are immense, and students benefit from frequent contact with distinguished visiting artists.
Department of Opera and Vocal Studies
The study programmes in the Department of Opera and Vocal Studies cover every aspect required for the successful pursuit of a professional career in recital, oratorio and opera performance. With its wide spectrum of courses, students may exit after two, four or five years, but they will all have been exposed to the study of Italian, German, French and English. There is a strong emphasis upon performance, with all students involved, each year, in at least one of the fully-staged productions of major operas in original languages. In addition, the final public recitals at the end of the Advanced Diploma and Degree courses ensure that the classical and contemporary concert repertoire is also very extensive. The frequent infusion of expertise from international visiting artists is an important component in an already vital programme study. Post-graduate courses in opera studies and recital work are also offered for talented performers.
Department of Strings
The Department of Strings comprises the Major Study areas of violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp and guitar. The development of technique and artistic expression in Major Study lessons is supported by a wide range of practical courses such as Orchestral Technique classes, Concert Practice and chamber music. Students also take pedagogy courses which prepare them for private or school instrumental teaching. There are frequent performing opportunities ranging from recitals, masterclasses, orchestral concerts, opera productions to outreach performances and concert tours. Many graduates have received scholarships from famous conservatories and universities around the world for further study, and a number are engaged in key orchestral positions in and outside of Hong Kong.
Department of Woodwind, Brass and Percussion
This Department comprises the Major Study areas of flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, recorder, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba and percussion. The study programmes are designed to equip students with the skills necessary for a career in solo, ensemble and orchestral performance. Individual tuition, technique classes, orchestral repertoire, ensemble classes, concert band and orchestra are all offered. Students also take pedagogy courses which prepare them for school instrumental or private teaching. International visiting artists are regularly invited to give individual lessons, masterclasses and ensemble coaching. Barry Tuckwell (horn) and Peter Lloyd (flute) are just two of many appearing in the first semester 2001-2002.
Department of Academic Studies
The Department of Academic Studies provides a wide range of courses to music students in all programmes of study. There is a core curriculum of music history, theory and analysis, and aural skills in the Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Bachelor of Music (Honours) Degree programmes. In addition, a wide range of academic and practical electives, such as World Music, Jazz Improvisation and Music and Society in Hong Kong, are available to Advanced Diploma, Degree and Professional Diploma level students. The Department adopts an integrated pedagogical approach so that the design and content of academic courses are related as much as possible to students' performance activities. The staff members in the Department have specialisms in the areas of historical musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, and aural training.
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