Music competitions provide fertile ground for pedagogical innovation challenging teachers and students to move beyond routine instruction toward a more dynamic and learner-centered practices. This study investigates how the solo rondalla category of the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) in the Philippines shapes teaching and learning among young musicians of Quezon Province. Anchored in Constructivist Learning Theory, Performance Practice Theory, and Task Value Theory, the descriptive qualitative design is employed to explore the strategies of trainers and the experiences of contestants.

Findings indicate that competitions stimulate pedagogical creativity in three key dimensions: (1) learner-centered instruction that balances technical rigor with expressive artistry, (2) reflective and collaborative practices that cultivate autonomy and innovation, and (3) psychological support strategies that help students navigate motivation, performance anxiety, and resilience. These pedagogical approaches not only enhance individual musicianship but also sustain the vitality of rondalla as Filipino cultural heritage.

The study proposes a pedagogical framework for solo rondalla instruction that foregrounds adaptability, creativity, and student agency. By framing competition as a site of innovation, the paper underscores how traditional music practices can inform broader educational paradigms, particularly in fostering values of resilience, cultural continuity, and learner diversity. The insights generated are relevant to music educators, competition trainers, and researchers seeking to understand how pedagogical practices evolve within contexts of performance, culture, and community.

Authors:
El Doulos Chua, Southern Luzon State University, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. El Doulos B. Chua, Assistant Professor at Southern Luzon State University, Philippines, researches music education, pedagogy, and cultural identity, focusing on community-based ensembles in the Philippines.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

Bookmark