Violinist and music educator Kaya Mendoza, one of the many scholars of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), found her fondness for melodies within the confines of the classroom. Over time, it developed into an intentional pursuit; one that gave her direction, duty, and profound purpose.
Finding the harmony between performing and teaching
As early as nine years old, Mendoza had already been playing the violin, thanks to a group class part of her curriculum at the Kolisko Waldorf School, headed by Ford Pundamiera.
While finishing her studies at Philippine High School for the Arts in Makiling, Laguna, under the mentorship of Sergio Esmilla and Gina Medina-Perez, Mendoza’s connection with music deepened, finding herself yearning for more. Later on, she pursued music education at the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) and profoundly examined her love for her craft. She is currently a student of Dino Decena.
“It’s just nice to connect with other people through music,” she said, recalling a performance in Kuala Lumpur along with the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth.
Through the years, Mendoza has performed with renowned orchestras, including the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra in 2020 and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra back in 2023. While actively performing in orchestras and freelance engagements, she began sharing her knowledge on music, navigating both spaces with equal passion and commitment.
When the COVID-19 pandemic halted live performances, Mendoza transitioned to virtual concerts and volunteered in online workshops, such as the CCP’s Hands-On Choral Workshop. She continued to facilitate workshops and classes in person even after the world slowly recovered. “I really wanted to teach. Na-inspire kasi ako sa sarili kong music education and sa mga teachers ko,” said Mendoza.
Performing and playing the violin perfectly filled Mendoza’s innate need to mentor students by sharing her personal experiences. “‘Pag nagpe-perform ka, may natututuhan ka na mapapasa mo sa students,” said Mendoza, who describes herself as a lifelong student of music.
Mendoza’s humble perspective on learning naturally extended into her advocacy. Realizing that exposing people to music warrants a deeper appreciation, she never shied away from addressing the inaccessibility of music education. “I want to provide music education for all, regardless of background or status,” Mendoza declared bravely.
A scholar’s responsibility to give back
This commitment to teaching and sharing knowledge forms a core part of her advocacy as a CCP scholar. Beyond honing her craft as a performer, she actively seeks to give back by creating accessible learning spaces, mentoring aspiring artists, and sharing the values and discipline she gained through her own training.
This same sense of purpose also shaped how she viewed her own journey within the program. “I was really surprised to be accepted because I thought that the CCP scholarship is only given to students who have attained high artistic achievements,” shared Mendoza, recalling the surreal moment of receiving the news in 2021.
For Mendoza, her role as a scholar is not only about artistic excellence, but also about nurturing the next generation and contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable arts community. As a scholar supported by a public institution, Mendoza has a strong sense of duty to hone her talent. She became increasingly aware of the role she played, not just as a student, but as someone held accountable by the community:
“There are now high expectations and standards to uphold, because my education is funded by the taxpayers’ money. I want to give back to all the people who have supported me in pursuing music by doing well,” said the young scholar.
Thankfully, Mendoza has a steady support system, which consistently inspires and encourages her to believe in her potential. “That’s what helps me push through and continue doing what I can,” she admitted, commending how her family, peers, and mentors help her through the technical and emotional demands of the music industry.
From production work to workshop facilitation, Mendoza has expanded her involvement beyond performance and teaching. These experiences have allowed her to explore other dimensions of music.
Reflecting on her journey as a CCP scholar who performs and teaches music, Mendoza emphasized the art of knowing when to pause: “If you want to pursue music, it’s important to take care of yourself. The love and dedication to music and practicing go hand-in-hand with resting.”
In the future, Mendoza wishes to continue integrating music across disciplines after her capstone project, Titik at Tinig: A Workshop on Teaching Literacy through Music at the UPD. She also shared her dream of collaborating and sharing the spotlight with brilliant artists while treading her path to become a licensed professional music educator.
CCP scholar Mendoza answers her calling onstage and beyond
As she looks ahead, Mendoza remains committed to both aspects of her identity: as a performer and as an educator. What once sparked in the classroom has blossomed into a meaningful purpose that goes beyond personal achievement.
In pursuing teaching and performing, Mendoza spotlights music as a communal relationship, wherein the artist and audience exchange ideas and feelings by simply basking in harmonies. “I just love both [playing the violin and teaching],” she explained with a chuckle, finding the mere thought of giving up core parts of her identity absurd.
In many ways, Mendoza’s name perfectly encapsulates her journey as an artist and educator. Kaya, which translates to “can” in English, serves as clear validation of her ability to connect and grow through music.
It is now a quiet testament to the endless possibilities she holds in her future, too.