This paper identifies the diverse aims of the formal music curriculum and compares them to teachers' perceptions of those aims. Data was collected by the authors through a questionnaire which was completed by 48.5% (n=203) of music teachers in the secondary schools in Hong Kong. Analysis of the results showed that the predominant view of the respondents regarding the aims of music education was that it would enable students to appreciate music. Further, musical experiences associated closely with listening were perceived to be more important than the other components of a balanced music curriculum, namely performance and composition.

The author reports the findings of a study that examines the nature of the music curriculum and the role of music teachers in Hong Kong's secondary schools. Initially, the study provides a brief examination of the intentions of the official music curriculum as promulgated by the Hong Kong Government, and then explores music teachers' attitudes towards its various components, i.e., goals, content, pedagogies, and assessment practices. The core of the study involves the identification of the pedagogic approach(es) being employed in music classrooms, as well as an analysis of the rationale teachers provided for adopting those approach(es).