For many parents, trying to get children to do their music practice requires a tricky combination of encouragement, cajoling and incentive. But point them towards the drums and no second reminder is needed.
Perhaps something about beating away freely and making lots of noise seems to appeal to children of all ages, whether it's pounding on overturned pots or on a wood and animal skin drum.
That appeal comes as no surprise to people like Kumi Masunaga, a long-established drummer who has lived in Hong Kong for more than 20 years. The Japanese percussionist has run a monthly community drum circle for all ages for the past 12 years, as part of the Tom Lee Music Carnival, as well as working as a solo percussionist and organising drum events for schools and corporate events.
'Babies respond so well to the rhythm,' she says. 'I love inviting children to the centre and asking them to lead the circle, because they can. Many parents have reported to me that it's really working for their children.
One of the beauties of the drumming circle is that there is no learning curve and no need for previous musical experience.
'We teach the people without teaching,' says Masunaga. 'My job as a drum circle facilitator is not to teach them but to guide them.'
The ambience is one where all are welcome and typical cultural barriers such as language become irrelevant. 'Rhythm is an unusual language,' she says. 'That's what helps it succeed, and therefore it's a great tool for bringing people together,' she says.