Reflections and Future Challenges of the 2022 Revised ‘Pleasant Life’ Curriculum: A Comparative Analysis of Early-Grade Music Curriculum in International Contexts

The purpose of this study is to categorize music education at the early grades through an analysis of the current status of overseas music curriculum at the lower grades and to propose tasks for the normalization of music education at the early grades in the future, with consideration of the 2022 revised ‘pleasant life’ curriculum. To this end, the perspectives of both domestic and international music educators were examined, highlighting the importance and key characteristics of music education in early grades. The study further explores the current music curriculum in ten countries across four continents. Based on this analysis, early music education was classified into three categories: integrated within a general subject, incorporated as part of the arts curriculum, and treated as an independent subject. The distinct characteristics of each approach were identified and examined in relation to the 2022 revised ‘pleasant life’ curriculum, from both integrated and separate perspectives. Several key tasks for the future were proposed. First, further research is required to research on music exploration at the elementary level. Secondly, there is a need for suggested topics and activities that highlight the characteristics of music within arts integration activities. From a separate subject perspective, clear standards are needed to define the role and developmental significance of music within early education. Additionally, the presentation of foundational musical elements and concepts in early school years should be addressed.