Your Gateway to Systematic Learning of Traditional Arts
The Academy is the core vehicle through which the Association fulfils its educational mission. As the teaching arm of our charitable organisation, we provide a professional, systematic, and supportive learning environment aimed at transforming interest into deep understanding and elevating hobby into solid skill.
Our Teaching Philosophy
We adhere to the teaching philosophy of “entering the Dao (Way) through Art”. Courses not only impart technique and form but also focus on guiding students to appreciate the cultural connotations and aesthetic spirit behind each art form. We hope students learn here not just how to write a character well, paint a picture, or sing an aria, but also develop an aesthetic eye, cultural confidence, and a mind cultivated towards tranquillity and profundity.
Detailed Course Structure
Chinese Calligraphy Class
- Beginner Level: Starts with an introduction to the Four Treasures of the Study and their selection. Students learn correct brush holding, posture, and brushwork techniques. Based on Tang Dynasty regular script (e.g., Yan Zhenqing, Ouyang Xun), students master basic strokes and structure, laying a rigorous foundation.
- Intermediate/Advanced Level: Delves into running script (e.g., Wang Xizhi's Preface to the Sacred Teaching) or clerical script, exploring composition and the variations of ink tonality. Includes copying classics and guided creation, interspersed with lectures on calligraphy history and appreciation.
- Special Topic Workshops: Regularly held short workshops such as "Seal Carving Introduction", "Fan Surface & Small Composition Creation", and "Festival Calligraphy (Spring Couplets, Fai Chun)" to add variety to learning.
Chinese Painting Class
- Beginner Level: Starts with freehand bird-and-flower painting, learning the dry/wet, light/dark variations of ink and the lifting/pressing/turning of the brush. Students master classic subjects like plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, understanding the essence of Chinese painting's "capturing the spirit through form".
- Intermediate/Advanced Level: Splits into "Landscape" and "Meticulous" (Gongbi) directions. The landscape class studies methods for painting trees, rocks, clouds, water, and compositional principles. The *Gongbi* class delves into detailed line drawing, gradational ink application, and colouring techniques.
- Sketching & Creation Class: Organises outdoor sketching trips to observe nature and learn how to transform sketches into ink paintings. Tutors provide individual guidance to help students complete their own original works.
Cantonese Opera Experience Class
- Basic Movement Class: Learns fundamental Cantonese Opera stage walks, circular movements, water sleeve techniques, hand gestures, and poses, experiencing the beauty and expressiveness of stylised opera movements.
- Vocal Introduction Class: Starts with understanding the musical modes of Cantonese Opera, learning basic banghuang aria excerpts. Tutors guide breathing, vocalisation, and phrasing techniques based on lyrics.
- Excerpt Rehearsal Class: Offers students the opportunity to learn a classic opera excerpt, experience full make-up and costume fitting, and ultimately perform in a small-scale sharing session.
- Our Tutors: All tutors are either veteran artists or professionals with extensive teaching experience, passionate about teaching and dedicated to passing on the torch.
