“The goal to achieve the greatest potential

of each student and produce future

musicians by practical teaching and
freedom of their learning process.”

Liza Espada

Harmonizing Empiricism
and Pragmatism:
A Music Educator's
Philosophical Approach
Liza Espada is a music educator graduated from Silliman
University, Bachelor of Music Major in Music Education. She took up
a Masteral degree in MAEM, Masteral of Arts and Educational
Management, way back 2010. She teaches music for more than 30
years up till this day, particularly in Philippines and abroad. In this
interview article, she shares what’s her belief/philosophy in
teaching in order to be successful as a music educator. It explores
the advantages that come with practical learning to music and
natural learning development of a student.

Interview

What is your current practice of music education?

L: My current practice of Music Education is more on church music, conducting adults, young adults and children’s choirs and music
workshops here and abroad. I choose to teach private lessons on-site and online on a daily basis as my ministry at the same time as
my source of living. I also do vocal coaching to private schools who are connected to School of Tomorrow program.

Why did you decide to teach music?

L: I decided to teach music all my life because this is my passion. I knew what I want in life that’s why I chose this career. Teaching
music can help them build imagination and intellectual curiosity. It can help them foster a positive attitude towards learning. I always
see to it that there is that strategy, artistic way of teaching in order to develop the whole brain and develop a person’s imagination
especially when I started to teach early childhood students.

What is your personal philosophy in teaching music?

L: My philosophy in teaching music is the GOAL to achieve the greatest potential of each student and produce future musicians. I
believe this could be with perseverance and hard work. Teaching is the process of learning from students, colleagues and parents. I
aim to bring a high positive attitude, open mind and high expectations for my students. Not only teaching but honing their talents
and abilities. To some students, they have this naturally, but others, you need to develop/help their skills with effort so that you can
achieve that goal with passion, patience and dedication.

How has your philosophy impacted your teaching career?

L: Yes. For many years, I’ve been teaching private tutorials, particularly in honing the talents of students in vocal training to beginners
and advance students. Through my career experiences, I prove that my philosophy in teaching had a great impact in the lives of my
students. Moreover, I was able to produce great song leaders in church, vocalists in the choir, students who enrolled in music schools
because of the motivation that I gave to them. I can name student/s that are now in the music industry, enjoying on their career in
music.
 Discussion:

Here in this interview, it emphasizes more on Naturalistic Empiricism and

Pragmatism philosophy. Harmonizing empiricism and pragmatism in music
education can lead to a well-rounded and effective approach that considers
both the theoretical and practical aspects of learning music.

There are several benefits of applying this philosophy in music teaching.

Experiential Learning. Both empiricism and pragmatism value experiential
learning. Music education can benefit from hands-on experiences, such as
playing instruments, singing in a choir, or participating in music workshops.

These experiences provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and develop practical skills. (1) Lifelong Learning.
Both empiricism and pragmatism encourage lifelong learning. Music educators can instill a love for music and a curiosity to
continue exploring and evolving as musicians beyond formal education. (2) Empirical Foundations. Empiricism in music education
emphasizes the importance of observation, data collection, and experimentation. This can be applied by encouraging students to
actively engage with music through listening, analyzing, and reflecting on their experiences. Teachers can use empirical methods to
assess a student's progress and adapt their teaching strategies accordingly. (3) Pragmatic Application: Pragmatism, on the other
hand, focuses on the practical application of knowledge. In music education, this means that students should not only learn music
theory but also understand how to use that knowledge to create, perform, and appreciate music. Teachers can encourage students
to apply what they've learned in practical settings, such as through ensemble performances or composition projects. (4)

Integration of Theory and Practice. To harmonize these philosophies,

educators can emphasize the integration of theory and practice. For example,
when teaching a musical concept like harmony, students can first learn the
theoretical aspects and then apply them by composing a piece of music that
demonstrates that concept. This approach allows students to see the
practical relevance of what they are learning. (5) Reflective Practice.
Encouraging students to reflect on their musical experiences and learning
processes is a key element of both philosophies. Reflection can help students
connect theoretical concepts with practical experiences and improve their
overall understanding of music. (6) Assessment and Feedback: Empirical
methods can be used to assess student progress and provide constructive
feedback. (7) Regular assessments, combined with pragmatic approaches,
can help students set goals and track their development in a tangible way. (8)
And lastly, Collaboration and Community. Pragmatism places importance on
social interaction and collaboration. Music education can incorporate group
activities, ensemble playing, and community involvement to foster a sense of
shared learning and mutual support among students. (9)

Conclusion:

Ma’am Liza’s teaching philosophy is effective for it really focuses on nurturing a

student's knowledge and their musical abilities. Harmonizing empiricism and
pragmatism in music education involves striking a balance between theory and
practice, data-driven assessment and practical application, and individualized
learning within a collaborative and reflective environment. This approach can
create a holistic and enriching musical education experience for students.