Music Training Modules

Music Training Modules

Music Training Modules are small-group programmes (2–4 participants) designed for individuals with disabilities (PWD) and special educational needs (SEN) under Link Sound Sinfonia. Led by professional musicians and supported by Lingnan University students, these modules offer a structured path for music and ensemble training.

The aim is to empower participants to develop their musical performance skills and become part of the Link Sound Community Band, “ElderFlower.” This inclusive ensemble offers a platform for individuals to express their artistic talents while fostering meaningful social connections through music. “ElderFlower” regularly performs in community settings—such as elderly centers—to promote social engagement and enrich the cultural life of the community. These performances provide members with valuable real-world experience and help cultivate a sense of belonging and inclusion.

Our Training Modules including: Digital Composition, Choir, Erhu, Guitar, Piano/Keyboard, Cajon and more.

Choir Module

Link Sound Sinfonia's Choir module hopes to build and expand a Lingnan-based music community by linking up our external partners, Heep Hong Starlight Centre, and to promote and deliver the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equity amongst individuals beyond tertiary education setting.

In the first year of the program, members from Heep Hong Society participated in the module to develop their vocal, choral, and social skills. The choir was led by conductor Mr. Caleb Woo, with piano accompaniment by Ms. Anna Ngai.

To conclude the sessions, the group visited Lingnan University’s campus for a special recording activity featuring four pieces: Embrace the Music, Dona Nobis Pacem, I Bought Me a Cat, and Look at the World. Highlights from the production have been shared on YouTube and the University’s official social media platforms. 

In year 2, as the second phase of developing a choral scene at Lingnan University, we established a community choir called ‘Link Sound Harmonies’. This choir aims to provide a choral singing platform where members from Heep Hong Society and Lingnan students can receive choral singing training whilst interacting with each other and share their passion for music and singing. They returned to Lingnan campus for a progress sharing session on April 30 ("You raise me up" performed by Link Sound Harmony.)  This is the first time they share their amazing vocals to families and friends face to face, without barrier.

Starting from the third year, our choir conductor, Caleb Sir, elevated the training by introducing more advanced techniques. Participants were assigned different harmonizing parts, allowing them to perform with greater musical complexity and depth.

Modules in Guitar 

Adult members from Fu Hong Society Yau Chong Home engaged in these modules led by Mr. Francis Wan to learn how to play acoustic guitar starting with the very basics. Lingnan student Mr. Johnny Mau also on guitar, took part in jamming some familiar Cantopop songs with them. 

	The learners were well-motivated and bought themselves private guitars for self-practice. Fu Hong’s social workers reflected that their learning has aroused other boarders’ interests in picking up an instrument, too.
	In Year 3, we invited the Guitar members to collaborate with the Erhu Module and Lingnan students for our 2024 Annual Performance, “Forest Healing Music Concert.”
	Together, they performed the pieces “Water Melody” and “Student.” The performers expressed great happiness and satisfaction with their presentation.

In Year 4, members of the guitar class brought their music into the Tuen Mun community, sharing performances at venues such as Yau Chong Home and Yan On Home For Aged.

Module in Erhu

The Erhu module offers participants the opportunity to explore the rich heritage of Chinese music through learning the Erhu, a traditional two-stringed instrument. Designed for beginners, the training covers foundational skills including posture, form, and basic techniques, gradually progressing to melody and rhythm. 

The module aims to foster cultural appreciation and musical expression, enriching the project with the unique sounds and traditions of Chinese music. We are delighted that 4 participants from Heep Hong Society are joining us in this module in the second year of the project.

	In year 2, our Erhu tutor, Ms. Gala Shek has prepared songs such as ‘Mary had a Little Lamb’ and ‘Amazing Grace’ and taught them how to read and understand simplified Chinese notation scores.
	In year 3, The module, which is one of the most advanced, began in the second year of the project. We invited Ms. Gala Shek, an experienced teacher to lead the module. Participants actively engaged and showed remarkable progress. Specifically, after less than half a year, they were performing and joined the Link Sound Community Band Performance in Sham Shui Po.

Piano/Keyboard Module

The Keyboard Module was introduced in the third year of the project. The group consists of a secondary school student, Ho Yin and Lingnan University student Chris Yau, who regularly perform together as a piano duo. Their collaboration has led to multiple performances, showcasing their musical synergy and growth, embodying the concept of inclusivity.

The outstanding piano duo has been invited to perform in various events, including the following:

• Lingnan University Gala Dinner 2024
• Opening Ceremony for 330 Day 2025
• 2nd SEN-Friendly Community® Inclusive Education Professional Development Seminar, organized by Senmily HK

Fostering Intergenerational Inclusivity Through Music

A notable highlight of the project was the inclusion of a member from the Elderly Academy at Lingnan University. Her presence brought an unexpected yet meaningful dynamic to the group. With her warm personality and well-developed social skills, she fostered a strong sense of connection among participants, enhancing group cohesion and interaction.

This positive experience has inspired the project team to consider expanding future modules to include more elderly participants, promoting intergenerational engagement and learning.

Modules in the Past

Module in Piano and Music Composition & Arrangement

Alumni from Buddhist To Chi Fat She Yeung Yat Lam Memorial School, participated in these modules to improve their music skills under the guidance of our tutors. They also explored how to compose music using MIDI keyboard and software.

In year 2, with guitar, keyboard and flute, they together create music as a creative instrumental ensemble. We are hoping to engage more participants in upcoming modules as this is a valuable opportunity to further enhance their skills and partake in musical activities in a community setting.

Module for Musical Experiences & Tasters

This module is designed to broaden horizons, to let participants get to know different aspects of music. Furthermore, this also enables us to explore new collaboration opportunities with various artists and musicians in developing potential new modules. We held different tasters sessions led by different specialists. Mr. Arup Guha, Dr. Enrico Bertelli and Mr. Hinson Lo went to Pui Oi School and presented to children on their specialties:

Mr. Arup Guha on tabla, kanjira and khamak, Dr. Enrico Bertelli on music technology, and Mr. Hinson Lo on sound healing instruments. Lingnan students and staff played an active role throughout to offer one-to-one facilitation and translation help for children to understand. Children were in general highly inspired by these eye-opening presentations and teachers were especially impressed and inspired by how the non-verbal pupils managed to create and express with the aid of gadgets like Makey Makey and online platforms such as Chrome Music Lab.

Module for Flute

A pupil was introduced to us by our project mentor and Clincal Psychologist Dr. Eliza Lau to learn flute with us. We arranged for her to learn basic techniques under one of our students, Ms. Hau Ching Wong, and a professional Flute musicians, Ms. Rehinie Yim.

Module for Violin

One of the Lingnan students Matthew So Man Fung, became our tutor violin to teach students with SEN from Yuen Long Long Ping Estate Tung Koon Primary School. 

Module for Dance Movement

Apart from music learning, we also explored the possibility to explore the integration of movement into a training framework. 

Participants from Buddhist To Chi Fat She Yeung Yat Lam Memorial School, who are in their teenage years, express enthusiasm about having the opportunity to incorporate movement into the music of their choice. This integration is currently under exploration.

Modules in African Drums

Collaborating with Pui Oi School and African drumming instructor Ms. Jiff Yuen, these modules provided the opportunities for 4 children to take part in African drumming lessons. Following the success of the module, the group has now expanded to 8 children.

Through these lessons, they can learn not only new drumming techniques, but also enhance their rhythmic skills and musical knowledge beyond standard music classroom setting. Furthermore, students learnt to interact with each other through communication and understood the importance of teamwork through music-making as an African drumming group.

With Jiff's expert instruction, the students have grasped the basics of African Drumming on both the Djembe and Dunun and display a strong interest in the class.  This demonstrated the students progressing in the skills of the instruments they are passionate about.  Thanks to the teacher’s support, the participants can have internal school performances to share their learning progress with their peers.

On April 12, 2024, the African Drumming group presented their performance titled “Kognoumalon” at Pui Oi School. The event was well-received by audience.

Performance playback: Link Sound Sinfonia - African Drumming Group Sharing on Apr 12, 2024