Music as a Medium for Character Education in Elementary Schools: Teachers’ and Students’ Experiences

Abstract

Music offers opportunities to integrate character education into elementary school learning through activities that encourage emotional expression, cooperation, discipline, and social interaction. This study aims to explore teachers’ and students’ experiences of using music as a medium for character education in elementary schools. A qualitative descriptive approach is employed to examine musical activities, character values promoted through music, and participants’ perceptions of the relationship between musical participation and character development. Data are collected through semi-structured interviews and documentation, then analyzed thematically to identify patterns related to instructional practices and character education. The study focuses on how musical activities may provide opportunities for students to practice responsibility, cooperation, respect, and self-discipline. By examining teachers’ instructional approaches and students’ experiences, this research seeks to provide insights into the opportunities and challenges of integrating music into character education. The study is expected to contribute to the development of more meaningful and context-sensitive approaches to character education in elementary schools