Development of a Music Curriculum-Based Character Education Program Utilizing School-Designed Autonomous Time for 5th and 6th Grade Elementary School Students

The purpose of this study was to develop a Music Curriculum-Based Character Education Program utilizing School-Designed Autonomous Time for fifth- and sixth-grade elementary school students. To this end, first, the theoretical foundation of School-Designed Autonomous Time was established, and and its current operational status was analyzed to derive implications for the necessity of music curriculum-based character education. Second, the theoretical basis for program development was established by examining the policy basis of Character Education and exploring its linkage with music education. Through an analysis of prior research, music activities and teaching methods were identified to cultivate the eight core values and virtues designated in the Character Education Promotion Act: Etiquette, Filial Piety, Honesty, Responsibility, Respect, Consideration, Communication, and Cooperation. Third, the program, titled was developed according to systematic procedures and was refined through expert validity verification. As a result, the final proposal of the program—consisting of ‘Characteristics and Objectives,’ ‘Content System and Achievement Standards,’ and ‘Teaching, Learning and Assessment’—along with thematic activities, was presented based on the eight core values and virtues of Character Education. This study is significant in that it supports the intended purpose of School-Designed Autonomous Time, complements the limitations of bias toward specific subjects, and provides practical and actionable strategies to foster students’ character cultivation and holistic growth.