Dr Samuel Mok 
(Music Education Consultant of HSA) , EdD MA BA

 

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Dr. Mok studied early on in Austria, the music capital of Europe, and earned an Artist Diploma with Distinction from the Prayner Conservatory of Music and Dramatic Arts in Vienna, an Honors Bachelor's Degree in Music from the Academy of Arts in Banska Bystric, Slovakia, and a Bachelor's Degree in Guitar Performance from the Anton Bruckner Private University in Linz, Austria. He has given lectures, masterclasses, and solo concerts in over ten countries and regions, including France, Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Russia, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Taiwan, Shanghai, India, and Thailand. He is currently a PhD candidate in music performance.

 

Apart from performing, Dr. Mok specializes in children's music education and has earned a Doctorate in Education from the Universidad Internacional de la Rioja in Spain and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Brittany in France, both with high distinction. He also holds a Master's degree in Music Education from The Education University of Hong Kong, an International Early Childhood Teaching Certificate from the American Montessori Society, Orff Level 1-4 Certification from the Australian National Orff Schulwerk Association, and Music Education Certifications from the Kodaly Institute in Australia (Level 1-3).

 

Dr. Mok focuses on the spiritual and developmental growth of children and is an Aspire Godly Play instructor. He is currently pursuing a Master's in Christian Studies at China Graduate School of Theology, a postgraduate diploma in Christian Spiritual Direction at Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre, and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Spiritual Direction from the Association for Theological Studies in the United States.

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As a music education specialist, Dr. Mok has witnessed firsthand how homeschooling can beautifully integrate music to foster children's creativity, concentration, and emotional development. Music, in its essence, nurtures the whole child by unlocking their innate creativity, igniting their imagination, and cultivating essential skills for lifelong success.

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Through active engagement with music, children enhance their concentration and focus, learning to listen attentively, follow rhythmic patterns, and express themselves through sound. Music also fosters emotional intelligence as children navigate a rich tapestry of emotions evoked by different musical genres and styles. Moreover, creating music, whether through singing, playing an instrument, or moving to the beat, promotes physical coordination and motor skills.

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Beyond cognitive and physical benefits, music profoundly impacts a child's social and emotional well-being. Collaborative music-making encourages teamwork, communication, and a sense of community. The sheer joy and accomplishment children feel when mastering a new musical piece or performance significantly boosts their self-confidence and self-esteem.

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Ultimately, exposing children to music from an early age unlocks a lifetime of enrichment, self-expression, and personal growth. Here are five engaging music-based activities for homeschooling families in Hong Kong:

 

1. Establish a family choir or band and perform mini-concerts for each other.

2. Introduce children to various musical genres, from classical to world music.

3. Encourage them to create their musical compositions using household items as instruments.

4. Organize musical field trips to local concerts, opera performances, or music workshops.

5. Incorporate musical elements into academic lessons, such as learning multiplication tables through rhythmic chants.

 

By weaving music into the fabric of their homeschooling journey, families can empower children to develop a lifelong love for the arts and cultivate the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century.

nd cultivate the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century.

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Last but not least, this book is a rare and precious resource. It not only provides invaluable practical experiences and theoretical support for homeschooling families pursuing the holistic development of their children, but also sets a mirror for all parents who value family education. I sincerely hope that this book will become a must-read for homeschooling families in Hong Kong.