SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
2022【MONOGRAPH】
Music and Play in Early Childhood Education: Teaching Music in Hong Kong, China and the World
Palgrave MacMillan (Springer Nature). 249 pages.
[Scopus-indexed]
This book provides critical insights into the interplay of sociocultural change and educational practices by elucidating the trajectory of Hong Kong’s early childhood music education system. It presents an extensive analysis of postcolonial music education in relation to globalization, westernization, cosmopolitanism, and nationalization. It makes contributions to the theoretical arguments that can be used to interpret the impact of China on the previously Western orientation of education in Hong Kong. This book also explicitly problematizes the theoretical foundations of mandated policies such as play-based learning and moral education in early childhood through music in Hong Kong and across the globe. The analysis of historical context, political influences, and education ideologies in Hong Kong’s early childhood education subsystem provides fertile ground for a thorough understanding of the meaning and implications of globalization in education at multiple levels. Many empirical-based discussions in this book reflect the ideologies, trends, and practices of music education globally. Framed by Bandura’s social cognitive theory, the empirical studies discussed in the book explore the self-efficacy and practices of education leaders and teachers, reflecting the contemporary challenges of music education. Ultimately, it makes a vital contribution by offering a new conceptual model of music teacher education within a globally resonant framework.
2023【Book】
Transmission of Cantonese Opera in Hong Kong amidst COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis
Chung Hwa Book Publisher. 248 pages.
In January 2020, the World Health Organization officially declared the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a major global public health crisis. Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 outbreak has presented unprecedented challenges to the Cantonese opera industry. Similar to many parts of the world, performance venues in Hong Kong had to be closed for an extended period, and performances were suspended because of various epidemic prevention measures. Consequently, many veteran Cantonese opera practitioners have said that COVID-19 has been the most disastrous period in the history of Hong Kong’s Cantonese opera industry. Embracing an extensive study that has spanned almost three years amidst the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, this book offers an in-depth and comprehensive examination of the experiences and impact of the pandemic on the Cantonese opera industry. This study incorporates an extensive document analysis, in-depth interviews, and field visits to triangulate various sources of data. By capturing the first-hand narratives of industry practitioners, this book aims to understand the pandemic’s impact on different stakeholders within the Cantonese opera industry. Through this publication, I intend to make a meaningful contribution to the history of Cantonese opera, provide insights into its future inheritance and development, and raise public awareness of the significance of Cantonese opera transmission and its value as an ICH.
Scholarly reviews:
2023
Utilising technology as transmission strategy in intangible cultural heritage: The case of Cantonese opera performances
International Journal of Heritage Studies.
[Top 1% 18/1760 in Scopus; SJR Q1; SSCI; AHCI]
Globalised technological advancements have radically transformed how intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is inherited in contemporary society. Despite being recognised as a Human ICH by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation, Cantonese opera is facing existential crises attributed to an ageing demographic and shrinking audience base. To survive in a rapidly changing sociocultural landscape, Cantonese opera performances in Hong Kong have embraced modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, holographic projection, and virtual reality. By exploring the perspectives of 86 Cantonese opera practitioners, this study critically examines the perceptions, experiences, and challenges associated with technology adoption as a safeguarding strategy for ICH transmission. This study revealed the complex interplay between technology use and cultural transmission, adding to heritage literature by shedding new light on audience reach, content enhancement, value creation, and funding strategies in the context of technology adoption, and the corresponding negotiation of tradition and modernity within ICH communities. The findings emphasise the importance of preserving traditional core values, identity, and artistry inherent in the performing arts of ICH, even as technology adoption becomes radically widespread, shedding light on a cautious integration of technology in ICH in this technology-focussed era.
2023
Implementing moral and character education policy through music integration: Perspectives of school leaders in Hong Kong
Cogent Education (Routledge)
[Scopus-indexed]
Schools have been considered crucial social contexts for character formation. Hong Kong’s recent education policy has put moral and character education on the agenda of early childhood education (ECE); it states that moral and character education should be integrated into the major kindergarten subjects. However, questions remain on how it should be integrated into the ECE subject areas. Music has been officially identified as part of kindergartens’ daily activities. Scholarship has established the inextricable interconnection between character development and music participation. This study aims to explore subject-based implementation of the moral education through the lens of musical instructions. Literature confirms school leaders’ impact on shaping the implementation of policy, hence, school leaders’ perceptions and challenges regarding the implementation of this newly emphasized policy was explored through semi-structured interviews with 12 purposively selected principals. The results reveal that the principals valued using music education to teach children about morals and ethics, but found that they faced hurdles in the implementation, e.g. teachers’ insufficient pedagogical content knowledge and parents’ attitude. This study identifies traditionalism as the most prevailing view in kindergarten principals’ conceptualizations of moral education. Musical activities for moral education that principals support are play-based but adult-guided.
2023
(Invited contribution) Cantonese opera guild and preservation of Cantonese opera: The case of Hong Kong Chinese Artists Association (CAAHK)
In K.S. Shum (Ed.), Barwo’s 70th Anniversary Publication (pp. 78-81). Hong Kong Chinese Artists Association.
The Barwo Club (八和會館) in China has been a professional Cantonese opera guild since its inception more than 130 years ago, during the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing dynasty. Its Hong Kong branch, the Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong (CAAHK; 香港八和會館; otherwise known as Barwo) was established in 1953. The missions of the CAAHK are to affirm and protect the viability of Cantonese Opera in Hong Kong, deepen the maintenance of conventional practice and expand its outreach, and ensure that Cantonese Opera in Hong Kong remains “a living heritage”.
Using the CAAHK as a case study, this paper explores the role of Chinese guilds in times of heritage preservation crises. The study revealed that during the pandemic, Chinese guild not only provided practical support (e.g. coordination of subsidy from the government), but also played a crucial role in uniting the industry. The findings coincide with international studies that indicate peer rapport is a key factor in the recovery of an industry from traumatic crises.
2022
Safeguarding traditional theatre amid trauma: Career shock among cultural heritage professionals of Cantonese opera.
International Journal of Heritage Studies (Routledge), 28 (10), 1091-1106. [Top 1% 18/1760 in Scopus; SJR Q1; SSCI; AHCI]
Cantonese opera was inscribed as a Human Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2009. The closure of world heritage properties and performance venues due to the global pandemic has resulted in a global employment crisis and the subsequent departure of many seasoned Cantonese opera artists, inarguably threatening the sustainability of cultural heritage development and disrupting the transmission process. This paper investigates the intertwined relationship between transmission, traumatic crisis, and cultural heritage professionals (CHPs) through the lens of 56 Cantonese opera artists in Hong Kong. Utilising the transactional theory of stress and coping, this paper critically examines the role, psychological responses, and subsequent actions of Cantonese opera artists amid traumatic crisis. The findings contribute to the scholarship on cultural transmission by documenting the impact of social mobilisation, paradigm shifts on tradition, career crisis, vocational behavioural changes, and digital transformation on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage amid trauma. This paper argues that positive coping is related to post-traumatic growth and industrial transformation, highlighting the urgency for Hong Kong and the world to develop preparedness for a road map of cultural heritage transmission to coexist with the pandemic or other traumatic crises in this age of global challenges.
2021
Translating culture-bound elements: A case study of traditional Chinese theatre in the socio-cultural context of Hong Kong’
Springer-Fudan Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences (Springer Germany), 14, 393-415.
[SJR Q1]
This study explores the controversy surrounding the translation of the name of a new cultural infrastructure in Hong Kong, specifically related to the cultural heritage of traditional Chinese theatre. The first performing arts landmark in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District was named the Xiqu Centre; the term xiqu is a Hanyu pinyin representing traditional Chinese theatre. Though this translation issue has been intensely debated for over a decade, it remains unexplored in the research. With reference to Venuti’s translation strategies of foreignization and domestication, this study examines the Hong Kong public’s views on the translation of the name of this cultural landmark and the underlying drivers of their perceptions. It uses internet-based surveys, semi-structured interviews with the public, and interviews with experts as data sources. The results revealed that factors of (1) aesthetics and artistry, (2) cultural identity, and (3) publicity and internationalization have contributed to public perception. This study’s findings shed new light on how translation interacts with cultural, social, and political factors by examining how Hong Kong’s unique historical relationship with China and the West has played a role in this translation issue. The findings have significant implications for the translation of culture-bound elements and the transmission of cultural heritage in Hong Kong and worldwide.
2021
The impact of music pedagogy education on early childhood teachers’ self-Efficacy in Teaching Music: A study of music teacher education program in Hong Kong’
Asia-Pacific Journal of Research in Early Childhood Education, 15 (2), 63-86. [Scopus-indexed]
Previous studies have suggested that teacher education plays a crucial role in developing pedagogical knowledge and enthusiasm in teaching music. Based on Bandura’s (1977) self-efficacy framework, this study sought to investigate the impact of music teacher education program on self-perceived confidence and competence of 32 in-service early childhood teachers. Adopting a mixed methods approach, the Music Teaching Self-Efficacy Survey (MTSES) was the main source of quantitative data, whereas focus group interviews elicited the qualitative data. The results showed a significant increase in the participants’ self-efficacy after completing a music pedagogy program which had strong emphasis on applied music. Aligning with Bandura’s social cognitive theory, each of the four sources of self-efficacy contributed to changes in self-efficacy perception. Mastery experience was the most significant source, as exemplified by prior relevant experiences, peer teaching, and practice in music classrooms. Vicarious experiences included observations of music specialists and peers. Verbal persuasion included feedback and encouragement from the course instructor and peers. Lastly, physiological and affective states included anxiety in musical performance as well as stress and fatigue. The findings of this study may inspire the policymakers and universities for the future development of music teacher education programs in Hong Kong and beyond.
2021
Developing audience through outreach and education in the major performing arts institutions in Hong Kong: Towards a conceptual framework
Springer-Fudan Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences (Springer Germany), 14, 345-366.
[SJR Q1]
The public’s participation rate in performing arts in Hong Kong has historically been low, and the Arts Participation and Consumption Survey in 2018 indicated that the primary reason was ‘a lack of interest’ and that education in the arts could increase public involvement. The survey data clearly indicate the significance of education as a driver to develop future audiences. There are nine major performing arts organisations funded by the Hong Kong government, and they share the responsibility of shaping the performing arts landscape. This study explored the role of outreach and education within these major performing arts organisations and how they impact audience development. In addition to document analysis and fieldwork, the researcher interviewed five cultural leaders from the nine performing arts organisations. The findings of this study indicate that while the organisations’ outreach and education engagement help to achieve various important educational goals, direct impact on ticket sales is not easily quantifiable and may occur in the long run. This study concludes by offering a proposed conceptual framework for outreach and education when they are positioned in non-profit performing arts organisations. The four layers in the proposed conceptual framework involve cognitive, affective, ethical, and behavioural dimensions. It contributes to reframing the conceptualisation of audience development for the performing arts and sheds new light on the future of outreach and education in arts organisations and policymaking in arts and culture, with far-reaching implications for other non-profit cultural organisations in Hong Kong and globally.
2021
Multiple intelligences (MI) in the education of traditional Chinese culture
Research MI Journal, 2 (1), 44.
Recent studies have highlighted various issues surrounding the inextricable interrelationship of multiple intelligences, aesthetic development, and gifted education (Guss, 2005; Shearer, 2020; White, 2005). This essay discusses how Cantonese opera education plays a significant role in developing students' multiple intelligences through interdisciplinary learning. Not only does the learning of Cantonese opera enlighten students' creativity and artistic literacy, but it also elevates the quality of ethics through cultural learning, such as loyalty and respect for elders portrayed in the stories. Furthermore, it enhances bodily-kinaesthetic intelligence through daily practice and stage performances, spatial abilities through acting with various props and settings, and cultivates a sense of aesthetics through dressing up in exquisite costumes and applying makeup of traditional Chinese Theatre.
2019
Interdisciplinary play-based approach in early childhood music education
M. Oebelsberger, A. Bernhofer and G. Sammer eds., European Perspectives on Music Education (Vol 8), Austria: Helbling. p.113-122.
Early childhood education generally refers to educational programmes for young children from birth to the age of eight (Marsh, 2010; National Association for the Education of Young Children, 1991). This period of time is widely recognised as the most important and influential stage in a human’s life. Research on the human brain has shown that the period from birth to the age of eight is a critical phase for brain development and therefore the best time for learning (Curriculum Development Council, 2006). It is during early childhood that a great deal is determined about how an individual will ultimately develop—physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. The notion that young children should learn through play has long been acknowledged by educational theorists such as Rousseau, Pestalozzi, and Frobel, and is widely endorsed by current research in early childhood education (Niland, 2009). This chapter aims to demonstrate the key notions and value of play-based approach in early childhood music education. Selected studies are reported to derive a comprehensive conceptualization of the crucial issues in play-based approach in early childhood music education. Exemplars from the music teacher education programmes which focused on interdisciplinary play-based approach are also cited and analyzed to demonstrate how play-based approach could be incorporated into music teacher education programmes and community music.
2013
Handbook of Creative Arts in Early Childhood
Oxford University Press. With Cheung, P. Y., Yeung, K. Y., Lau, H. S.
2011
A Comprehensive Handbook of Music, Physical Fitness, and Visual Arts in Early Childhood
Oxford University Press. Cheung, P. Y., Yeung, K. Y.
Other Writings
Conference Papers
2024
Cultural representations and self-efficacy in implementing daily play-based music activities
Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Early Childhood Development, ECCE Council of Malaysia, May 27 – 30, 2024, Malaysia.
2024
Digital humanities and intangible cultural heritage: Technology readiness in Chinese traditional theatre
The Paris Conference on Arts & Humanities, The International Academic Forum, June 13 – 17, 2024, Maison de la Chime, Paris.
2023
Traditional Chinese theatre in early childhood: Interactive Cantonese opera performance as an approach to teach Cantonese opera in kindergartens
The 23rd Pacific of Early Childhood Education Research Association (PECERA) Annual Conference (Strengthening Resilience in Children During Time of Change), July 7 – 9, 2023, Indonesia.
2023
Joyful learning through play: Implementing play-based learning policy through music education, Asia-Pacific Symposium for Music Education Research
2023 APSMER Seoul (Music in the Life, Life in the Music), August 9 -11, 2023, Seoul National University of Education, Korea.
2023
Fostering children’s creativity through a play-based approach in music education
30th EAS Conference/9th ISME European Regional Conference, (Liberty – Equity – Creativity: Innovating and Inventing Music in the Classroom), May 24-27, 2023, University of Lyon, France.
2022
Moral education through musical play: Conceptions, practices, and challenges
PECERA 22nd Annual Conference (Transforming Early Childhood Education - From Policy to Practice), 8-10 July, 2022, Hong Kong.
2021
Kindergarten education policy implementation: Principal perceptions, practices and challenges in integrating music education to the curriculum
ISME Regional Conference/APSMER 2021, 18-19 September, 2021, Japan Music Education Society, Japan.
2021
Promoting peer learning through digital exhibition for cultural management students
CUHK Teaching & Learning Innovation Expo 2020/21, 26-30 July 2021, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
2020
(Chair and Speaker) Outreach and education in performing arts: Advocating arts to the public
CUHK Teaching & Learning Innovation Expo 2019/20, 28-30 July 2020, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
2019
Outreach and education programmes in performing arts groups: A study of creative approach in performing arts’
14th International Conference on the Arts in Society, 19-21 June 2019, Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, Portugal.
2019
Xiqu Centre of West Kowloon Cultural District: An analysis of development and prospects”
Paper presented at Seminar on Strategic Opportunities & Prospects of Cultural Industry of Macau ‘, 8- 9 June, 2019, City University of Macau, Macau.
2019
Orff Schulwerk for young children: A study of teachers’ perceived competences’
7th European ISME Regional Conference/27th EAS Conference, 15-18 May, 2019, Malmo Academy of Music, University of Lund, Sweden.
2018
Play-based and creative approach in early childhood music education: Hong Kong teachers’ self-efficacy in teaching music
Learning & Teaching Expo 2018, 12-14 December, 2018, Hong Kong.
2018
Cultural development in the arts: Impacts of arts marketing and advocacy
Interdisciplinary Social Science Studies Conference, Cambridge, 23-25 July, 2018, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
2018
Unlocking full potential in creative music teaching: Competences in teaching music to young children
International Conference on Early Childhood Development and Science Education, 28-29 May, 2018, Tokyo, Japan.
2017
Interdisciplinary approaches for music learning in Hong Kong
Joint (Ad)venture in Music, European Association for Music in Schools 2017 conference, 19-22 April, 2017, Mozarteum University of Salzburg, Austria.
2016
Music teacher education in Hong Kong
Pacific Early Childhood Research Association 2016 Conference (Grow and Learn from Investing in Early Learning: Timing, Economics, and Efficiency), 7-9 July, 2016, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
2016
Developing self-efficacy in Hong Kong early childhood music teachers
Gall, M. & Chung, F. M. Y.European Association for Music in Schools 2016 Conference (Looking for the Unexpected: Creativity and Innovation in Music Education), 16-19 March, 2016, University of Vilnius, Lithuania.
2015
The impacts of creative pedagogy on Hong Kong teachers’ self-efficacy in music
Teaching and Learning Innovation Expo 2015, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, 16-23 December, 2015, Hong Kong.
Creative Works
2020 [Online Exhibition Curation]
Online performing arts poster exhibition: Creativity & audience development (Digital Exhibition)
The exhibition was funded by UGC’s Teaching Development and Language Enhancement Grant (TDLEG) for the 2019-22 Triennium
2018 [Exhibition Curation]
Cantonese opera exhibition: Ritualistic Cantonese opera in Hong Kong 2016-2018 (2018)
Venue: Exhibition Gallery, Ch’ien Mu Library, New Asia College, CUHK, 15/10/2018 – 2/11/2018 (in collaboration with Hong Kong Association of Cantonese Opera Scholars) (The exhibition was funded by the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust, Hong Kong SAR government)
2018 [Exhibition Curation]
Creation, play: The joint exhibition of Xiqu posters (Bilingual) (2018) (Exhibition)
Chung, F. M. Y. & Hu Na
Venue: Exhibition Hall, National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts.
*The project was awarded ‘Outstanding Teaching Practice Project’ by the China Arts Management Education Society.
2017 [Exhibition Curation]
Creation, play: The joint exhibition of Xiqu posters (Bilingual) (2018) (Exhibition)
Chung, F. M. Y. & Hu Na
Venue: Exhibition Hall, National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts.
Invited Presentations / Lectures
invited talk
Research Sharing on Character Development through Music Integration
Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, 27/08/2021.
invited talk
Development of Ritual Performances of Cantonese Opera in Hong Kong (神功粵劇在香港的發展)
The Lord Wilson Heritage Trust and Hong Kong Public Library (Hong Kong SAR government), 31/03/ 2021.
invited talk
Conversations with Yuen Siu-fai, Tam Wing-lun Alan & Chung Ming-yan Fanny: The Impacts of COVID-19 on Cantonese Opera Development
Lord Wilson Heritage Trust and Hong Kong Public Library, Hong Kong SAR government, 31/03/2021.
invited talk
Arts Education and Audience Development
For postgraduate students (MPhil and PhD), Cultural Industries Management Programme, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, City University of Macau, 15/05/2020.
invited lecture
The Development of Performing Arts & Arts Education in Hong Kong
Department of Musicology, Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing (中央音樂學院), 15/05/2016.
invited lecture
An Introduction to Cultural Management
Department of International Cultural Communication, National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, 16/05/2016.
invited lecture
Cultural Policy & Music Education in the Community
School of Arts, Renmin University of China, 17/05/2016.
invited talk
Seminar: Cultural Management in Hong Kong and Beijing
Chinese National Academy of Arts (中國藝術研究院), 16/05/2016.
invited speaker
A Joyous Journey in Music (Part 2): Music Appreciation for Young Children’
Gigamind Kindergarten, 16/05/2013.
invited workshop
Music in Early Childhood Education
PGDE in Early Childhood Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, 20/02/2013.
invited public lecture
Early Childhood Music Education: Keys to Happy Learning in Music (in Macau)
Oxford University Press, 24/03/2012.
invited public lecture
How to design happy music lessons for young children?
Oxford University Press, 19/03/2011.
invited speaker
A Joyous Journey in Music (Part 1): Music & Movement for Young Children
Gigamind Kindergarten, 14/12/2012.
invited speaker
Musical Technique and Competency in Music Teaching
Truth Baptist Church Kindergarten, 19/02/2010.
invited speaker
Musical Technique and Competency in Music Teaching
Po Leung Kuk Fong Wong Kam Chuen Kindergarten, 30/09/2009.
invited talk
The Integration of Creative Arts to School Curriculum: DanceSports
Fanling Baptist Church Lui Ming Choi Kindergarten, 18/08/2009.
Distinguished Lectures
distinguished lecture
Interdisciplinary Research in Music, Arts, and Culture
University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, 23/7/2018.
keynote speech
Arts Technology and Audience Building of Cantonese Opera
The 9th Symposium on the Transmission and Development of Traditional Chinese Opera Culture, National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, 09/12/2023.
keynote speech
Modern Technology and Cultural Industries: A Case Study of Traditional Cantonese Opera
Four-Region of Cross-Strait Symposium on High-Quality Development of Cultural Industries Education, City University of Macau, 28/04/2023.
keynote speech
Research Seminar on Traditional Chinese Musical Notation
Hong Kong Association of Cantonese Opera Scholars, 28/12/2021.
keynote speech
Advocating Cantonese Opera in the Higher Education Sector in Hong Kong
Seminar on the Development of Cantonese Opera in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Cinema Alegris, Macau, 22/12/2019.
keynote speech
Xiqu Centre of West Kowloon Cultural District: Development & Forward
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, City University of Macau, 08/06/2019.