The purpose of this study was to examine the adjustment and identity building process of a beginning
early childhood music teacher in charge of after-school music education programs in early childhood
education institutions in an effort to suggest some of the right directions for nurturing early childhood
music teachers. The subject in this study was a selected teacher who gave fifteen 30-minute classes and
five 40- minute classes in three kindergartens and two daycare centers in Seoul. She visited the educational
institutions once a week, and the preschoolers whom she taught were aged between three and five in
Western age. The number of the preschoolers in each class ranged from a low of 10 to a high of 22.
She was observed during a 10-month period of time while she conducted music education programs, and
interview and journaling were both utilized to explore the process of her adjustment and identity building.
Her identity was built in the following process: confusing, anxiety, disappointing, problem confronting,
problem solving, self-reflection and change through endeavor. Given the findings of the study, colleges of
music that foster students who will engage in teaching after graduation should offer career guidance as
part of their curriculums, and students should be given an opportunity to gain hands- on experience in
different kinds of occupations as well. Specifically, those who want to be early childhood music teachers
should be taught to cultivate their basic qualifications as teachers instead of merely acquiring performing
skills to facilitate their adjustment and identity building. Besides, well-planned practicum should be
included in the curriculums. The findings of the study are expected to provide some substantial and useful
information on the right directions for the management of curriculum for early childhood music teachers.