Informal learning of Cantonese operatic singing in Hong Kong: an autoethnographic study

ABSTRACT

A revised abstract is as follows: Cantonese operatic singing is widespread in Hong Kong with numerous amateurs learning in community club settings. However, limited research has been taken on how amateurs learn in the community. This article reports on an autoethnographic study of a community music club catering to Cantonese operatic singing in Hong Kong. The author joined the club for six years as a full member and attended weekly gatherings to identify the features characterising informal learning with participant observations and informal conversations as research methods. Trustworthiness of the study was built on developed rapport with three members and lengthy period of data collection. Influenced by Chinese traditional culture and beliefs, a proactive learning attitude with industry, a competency of self-learning, and the development of positive inter-personal relationships were keys to earning the respect of senior members for access of learning. This study implies a need to balance between informal learning and a systematic pedagogy.

KEYWORDS:

• Autoethnography
• Cantonese opera
• Chinese music
• community music
• informal music learning
• music education

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, The Education University of Hong Kong under Dean’s Research Fund.

Disclosure

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Dean's Research Fund [Faculty of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, The Education University of Hong Kong]. The author also wishes to express his gratitude to Dr. Richard Whitbread for his editorial assistance in the article.