I’m passionate about music education, shaped profoundly by my Filipino upbringing and diverse teaching journey. I believe in evaluating conventional methods and emphasizing the importance of aligning pedagogy with the rich tapestry of student cultures. Inspired by the constructivist approaches of Heinrich Pestalozzi and Zoltán Kodály, I firmly advocate for student-centered teaching that nurtures individual stages of growth.
Having experienced education within a colonial system, I’ve found that fieldwork is essential for developing teaching materials that resonate culturally. My work across diverse cultural settings has deepened my commitment to inclusive music education, where preserving students’ musical roots is paramount. It’s crucial for educators to embrace and honor diverse musical traditions as we navigate today’s ever-evolving school environments.