Objectives This study aims to analyze the trends of research on music and cultural arts education for middle-aged adults in South Korea and discuss future challenges. Methods To achieve the research objectives, the study conducted a literature search using key terms such as ‘middle-aged’, ‘adults’, ‘music and cultural arts education’, ‘music’, ‘choir’, and ‘performance’. Following a four-step selection process, 20 relevant papers were analyzed based on established analytical categories. Results The research has increased since 2011-2015, with master's theses comprising the highest proportion. The primary subjects of these studies were middle-aged women aged 40-60, focusing mainly on the analysis of effects and impacts. Personal domain topics were frequently addressed, with quantitative research being the predominant method. Among the various music activities, singing was the most commonly studied. Conclusions The findings highlight the need for further research targeting middle-aged men, the development of programs and content exploration, as well as literature reviews and qualitative research approaches. Future studies in these areas could contribute to the design and advancement of music and cultural arts education for middle-aged adults, both academically and practically.
Read full abstract