Analysis of Music Curricula and Creative Content i n Textbooks f or Lower Elementary Education: The Cases of the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan

This study aims to identify issues in the presentation of music content within 'Enjoyable Life' subject of the 2022 Revised Integrated Curriculum and its linkage with upper-grade music education. To propose directions for improvement from an international perspective, the music curricula and textbooks for lower elementary grades in the United States, Bremen (Germany), the United Kingdom, and Japan were analyzed. The results show that in all four countries, the curricula and textbooks for early grades focus on learning activities aimed at acquiring basic musical knowledge and skills. Analysis of the creative domain revealed a progressive deepening of music learning content as grade levels increase. Regardless of whether music is taught in an integrated or independent format, the curricula of these countries emphasize and implement the importance of music education. These findings suggest that Korea’s lower-grade curriculum should also respect the uniqueness and independence of music education while reflecting a flexible, integrated approach in both curriculum design and textbook content.