“Everything changed when I discovered music. It became my refuge,

helping me find my identity and inspiring me to become a better version of myself. ”

– Albert Magcalas

 

Teaching Music & Its Impact on Children

I teach music because I want to share music with others so they can experience the same sense of self-discovery and purpose that I did. Additionally, the joy of seeing my students grow and succeed under my guidance is priceless. There’s nothing quite like witnessing their “Aha!” moments and knowing I played a part in their progress.

I’ve witnessed music transform students’ lives countless times, whether in the classroom or on stage. There have been moments when students questioned the value of learning music. This experience gave me the opportunity to explain to the class why music education is important—not just for learning discipline, but for helping students discover skills they never knew they had. Gradually, I noticed a change: they began to sing and express themselves more freely with each lesson. As they saw their progress, their confidence grew, and with it, their sincerity and respect for one another. The overall atmosphere in the classroom improved significantly.

Another example came from my recorder class. Music also offers students a healthy outlet for competition. They would often ask if they could perform solos, and I always enjoyed watching these moments. Some students were eager to prove they could perform independently, pushing themselves to improve constantly. This determination became contagious, motivating others to do the same. The end result? A group of strong recorder players performing together in perfect harmony.

Ensemble playing offers numerous benefits for children, but I believe two stand out the most. First, it sharpens their ability to use both sight and hearing effectively. Performing in an ensemble requires not only individual focus but also an awareness of others, as staying in sync depends on listening and watching carefully. Second, it fosters trust, which naturally builds a strong sense of camaraderie. In an ensemble, children are given a supportive environment where they can connect through a shared goal: making music together. This experience teaches them that collaboration is essential to creating something meaningful—something they can be proud of and take ownership of.

 

The Impact of Music & Heritage on My Life

Growing up, I faced many challenges due to my family’s financial struggles. I didn’t have many friends, and I was often bullied throughout school. Everything changed when I discovered music. It became my refuge, helping me find my identity and inspiring me to become a better version of myself. Music introduced me to communities of like-minded people who shared the same drive and discipline. Music education has taught me so much. It has deepened my understanding of human connections and helped me develop greater patience.

While I’ve always been a determined person, music education has amplified my perseverance and grit in ways I never imagined possible. It also revealed how interconnected all fields of study are, and it highlighted the profound significance of the music teaching profession. Music education offers a holistic approach to learning that can be applied across other disciplines as well.

Although no one in my family pursued music, that did not deter me from following that path. My initial musical experiences were shaped by my involvement in the church community. I vividly recall the sense of excitement I felt the first time I encountered a piano, and from that moment on, my curiosity about music never ceased. 

Growing up in the Philippines, a country globally recognized for its musical culture, likely further nurtured my musicianship. In the community where I was raised, it was common to hear people spontaneously performing songs by artists such as Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, simply for the love of music. While our country may have faced economic challenges, the passion for singing was deeply ingrained in our daily lives.

The Philippines is home to a wealth of traditional music, with many Filipino folk songs offering beautiful melodies and narratives that reflect the everyday lives of its people. Pieces such as Bahay Kubo, Leron Leron Sinta, Atin Cu Pung Singsing, Dandansoy, Pamulinawen, and Magtanim ay ‘Di Biro are just a few examples of folk tunes rich in literary and cultural value, portraying the rhythms and realities of daily life in the Philippines. In addition to folk music, the country also boasts a vibrant popular music scene known as OPM, or Original Pilipino Music, which continues to evolve while preserving its distinct Filipino identity.