Development and Validation of a Harp-Based Prenatal Interactive Education Module

1. Executive Summary This project proposes the development and validation of a replicable 12-week harp-based prenatal interactive education module designed for pregnant women without prior musical training. Grounded in Design and Development Research (DDR), the project integrates communicative musicality, aesthetic positive pedagogy, and environmental soundscape principles to support maternal psychological resilience and early mother–infant bonding. 2. Curriculum Structure The curriculum consists of six bi-weekly modules progressing from instrumental setup and sensory-motor engagement to improvisational interaction and personalized “songs for the womb.” Each module integrates technical instruction, emotional regulation strategies, and behavioral indicators to ensure accessibility and psychological safety. 3. Partner Support Sub-module A partner-supported learning component is incorporated to enhance familial involvement. Partners assist with basic harp tuning and simple accompaniment patterns, reinforcing maternal emotional security and shared prenatal engagement. 4. Evaluation Plan The project employs a mixed-methods evaluation framework, including pre- and post-intervention measures using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale (PSRS), and Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI). Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) will examine moderating effects of practice frequency and partner participation. Qualitative interviews conducted three months postpartum will explore long-term impacts on maternal identity and lifelong music engagement. 5. Data Management and Dissemination All curriculum materials, MIDI resources, and de-identified research instruments will be archived via Zenodo as an open-access dataset with a persistent DOI. Empirical findings will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals in music education and interdisciplinary arts research.