Meet Miriam

Miriam B. Factora, Ph.D., was born and raised in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Educated within a colonial system, she has developed a fervent interest in fieldwork research, driven by her mission to discover pedagogical materials that better reflect student cultures. This led her on a groundbreaking and innovative journey to indigenize and localize the music education program in the Philippines, leading to the publication of numerous folksong collections.

Dr. Factora is a fervent advocate for cultural relevance in education. As an esteemed music educator, international speaker, and clinician, she has shared this passion through keynote speeches, workshops, paper presentations, and training sessions for university students and teachers around the world.

MORE ABOUT MIRIAM

As a Music Educator

Dr. Miriam B. Factora is an inspiring and accomplished music educator whose unyielding passion for music resonates with students of all ages. Her broad teaching experience spans from early childhood to postgraduate studies in public and private institutions across the Philippines, Japan, and the United States.

As a Researcher

Miriam’s teaching philosophy and advocacy for relevant education have motivated her to undertake extensive fieldwork in the Philippines. This passion inspired her to choose it as the topic of her doctoral dissertation at the University of Queensland, in Brisbane, Australia. Her dissertation is titled ‘A Model of Sequential Music Teaching Utilising Philippine Vocal Materials’ (2005).

Miriam has taken an active role as co-chair for the International Kodály Society László Vikár Forum for Folk Music Research. She actively engages in continuous discussions with fellow international researchers through this platform.

As an Author

As an author, Miriam continues her publishing journey, drawing from her extensive first hand fieldwork research. Her published works include:
  • ‘Musical Folk Games of Manila, Philippines’ (Mga Katutubong Larong Musikal ng Maynila, Pilipinas) released in three editions in 1989, 1995 and 2024;
  • Creative Music Teaching in the Elementary Level (1995);
  • ‘Philippine Children’s Songs, Spoken Rhymes and Games for Teaching’ (Mga Likas na Pambatang Awitin, Tugmaan at Laro sa Pilipinas: Gamit sa Pagtuturo),
    • Book One (2003)
    • Book Two (2005);
  • ‘Aweng ti Kailokuan’ (The Musical Heritage of the Ilocanos),
    • Book One (2011)
    • Book Two (2015);
  • ‘Tarong, Kamatis, Paria’ (Eggplant, Tomato, Bitter Melon) Ilocano Children’s Song with Filipino Version • Read-and-Sing Book (2024).

As a Speaker/Presenter

As a speaker and presenter, Dr. Factora has shared her knowledge through keynote addresses, lectures, workshops, paper presentations, and in-service training sessions both in person and virtually with students and teachers in countries including the Philippines, U.S.A., Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Australia, Mexico, England, Scotland, and Poland. Notably among her speaking engagements were keynote speeches she delivered at the IKS Symposia in Ohio, U.S.A., in 2007 and again in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2015. She remains steadfast in her commitment to education, continually sharing her knowledge on both national and international stages through engaging online and in person presentations and workshops.

As a Music Director/Conductor

As a music director/conductor, Dr. Factora has directed elementary, middle school, high school, and adult choirs. She has a lot of experience with musical productions as music and vocal director.

Educational Background

Miriam’s becoming a music specialist includes a broad range of educational background:
  • Bachelor of Music at the University of Santo Tomas, Philippines, Magna cum laude;
  • Master of Music Education with Kodály Emphasis at Holy Names University, Oakland, California, U.S.A.;
  • Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia;
  • Conducting Studies at the California State University of Hayward, U.S.A.;
  • Orff Certification at Mills College, Oakland, California, U.S.A.;
  • Dalcroze Eurhythmics Studies at the Juilliard School of Music, New York, U.S.A., and
  • International Kodály Society Scholar at the Liszt Academy of Music, Budapest, Hungary.

Recognitions

  • Ilocos Norte Recognition Award
    • 2023 November 23
    • Given by the Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan
    • Sanggunian Session Hall, Provincial Capitol, Laoag City, Philippines
    • Ilocos Norte Provincial Board commendation for advocacy and civic engagement in support of music education for teachers
  • The Kannawidan Heritage Award
    • 2018 December 02
    • Given by Kannawidan Foundation – Iloko Foundation for Arts and Culture
    • Manila Hotel | Rizal Park, Manila, Philippines
  • National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) Grant
    • 2017
    • Given by the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) | Manila, Philippines
    • A reproduction grant for her book, Aweng ti Kailokuan, Book One, was provided to distribute copies to teachers and schools across the entire region of Ilocos Norte for educational use.
  • Burnay Recognition Award
    • 2011 October 08
    • Given by Kannawidan Foundation – Iloko Foundation for Arts and Culture
    • Manila Polo Club | Forbes Park, Makati, Philippines
  • Millenium Role Model Award
    • 2000 May 02
    • Given by the Sarrat Municipal Government
    • Sarrat, Ilocos Norte