Many existing STEAM programs are difficult to utilize in the current school curricula. These
programs are excessively weighted toward math and science; music is regarded only as an
assistive role for teaching math and science. To solve these problems, this study developed a
music-centered STEAM program for elementary school students. The ultimate goal of this
program was to nurture students in STEAM literacy, artistic sensitivity, and creativity.
A music-centered STEAM program was developed with the following strategies. The
program enables music to make a spontaneous connection with other disciplines. The
instructional approach encompasses thematic instruction, problem-based learning, and project
learning. The program involves a process whereby students learn concepts and skills, make use
of them, and enhance their comprehensive problem-solving abilities. In addition, it provides
students with hands-on experiences through positive participation and rewards for the
activities such as achievement happiness, emotional touch, and so on.
Based on these development strategies, this program was developed using two themes, 'the
secret of the shopping mall' and 'primitive times in music'. The program helped the students
to study the concepts and skills of math and science, and to learn to apply those concepts and
skills to music; they then came to understand the connections between musical activities and
mathematical, scientific thinking. These musical experiences helped the students to make
authentic, enhanced, and valid connections.
Interdisciplinary communication and in-depth study enable and enhance success in STEAM
education. We, as music educators, need to carry out theoretical and practical research (both of
which contribute to STEAM education) more systematically and with a more active and
open-minded attitude.