Music adds essential harmony to life's opus
Many parents think learning an instrument or singing in a choir uses up academic hours, but it's time well spent.
Students in academic-focused Hong Kong are often overburdened by having to take extra, out-of-school classes. It means they face difficult decisions when choosing those subjects that deserve extra attention.
When it comes to music, many examination-focused parents believe extra-curricular activities, such as singing in the school choir, learning to play an instrument or performing in the school's orchestra, use up precious time, which their children could be using to study core subjects, such as languages, mathematics or sciences.
"The culture in Hong Kong is that many parents get their children to learn musical instruments at a very young age - largely piano and violin - to gain certificated examination syllabus qualifications," says Malcolm Godsman, head of music at ESF's Sha Tin College.
Parents tend to overlook the intangible benefits of music studies, beyond gaining a certification that may help their children gain an advantage in school and college entry interviews.
Lee Siu-mei, a music teacher at Lam Woo Memorial School, in Kwai Hing, puts in many extra hours of work each day to try to inspire a love of music in her students - most of whom come from grassroots families - and a share in its benefits.
She hopes they will gain emotional release and control though music, which will benefit them throughout their lives.