The state of music teaching in the elementary schools of East Butuan District I: Basis for a proposed training program

This study determined the state of music teaching in the elementary schools of East Butuan District I. Anchored with Thorndike’s Law of Readiness and Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, employing a descriptive-correlation research design, the study revealed that the majority of teachers have a solid understanding of music content. Despite this, many teachers reported low usage of musical instruments and a lack of interest in exploring diverse musical forms, highlighting a gap in practical application and engagement. The study also identified significant differences in teaching practices based on years of experience, with newer teachers exhibiting different approaches to lesson delivery compared to their more seasoned counterparts. The correlation analysis revealed that higher educational attainment was inversely related to the use of learning tools and materials, suggesting that additional training could enhance practical teaching skills. Teachers with relevant training demonstrated higher levels of content knowledge and effective assessment practices, underscoring the importance of continuous professional development. The “MusiKaGabay Training Program: Enhanching Teachers’ Readiness and Competence in Music Instruction” is a holistic and forward-thinking initiative designed to enhance the pedagogical and practical music skills of elementary educators. Recommendations highlight the importance of improving teacher readiness in elementary education in East Butuan District I.