Bitten by the music bug at an early age, Phyllis Mak Ka-pui has opted to major in music at the University of Hong Kong (HKU). Ms Mak, 23, started playing the piano and taking part in school choirs when she was in primary school. But only when she entered HKU, did she really came into contact with the world of music. Earlier, she knew little about Chinese music. The studies at HKU exposed her to the whole gamut of the subject. She said she would get a good grounding in the theory and history of music during the three- year programme of studies at the HKU. She longs for more opportunities to practise and perform ing on stage, conducting and taking part in orchestras. The university course focuses more on the academic side of music. It covers historical and contemporary perspectives on music, musical analysis, the application of technology to music as well as the composition and performance of music. She has also not neglected taking part in many extra-curricular activities during her time at university. One of her favourite games was handball. 'We cannot merely rely on textbooks to fully understand music. Music needs hand-on experience. Theoretical expertise alone will not make you a good musician,' she said. Ms Mak said playing music helped train her to listen, and to play in harmony with others. While performing with others she truly felt and experienced the depth and beauty of music, she said. Upon completion of her stud ies, Ms Mak plans to devote herself to promoting music and engaging in cultural activities. 'Learning music is a life-long affair. The more you learn the more you realise your ignorance of the subject. Once you are bitten by the music bug there is no stopping,' she said. Graphic: YPSIXGLO