Slovakia Lower Secondary Education - Music Education

The Slovak education system includes music education at the lower secondary level (ISCED 2), which corresponds to grades 5 through 9. Music education is typically covered for one hour per week. Schools develop their individual music curricula (School music curriculum) based on the National Music Curriculum provided for each educational stage. This two-level curriculum model, consisting of the state and school levels, has been in place since 2007.

The State Education Program (Štátny vzdelávací program - ŠVP) and the School Education Program (Školský vzdelávací program - ŠkVP) are key documents that guide education in Slovak schools. The ŠVP defines the compulsory core curriculum content, while the ŠkVP is adapted for individual schools, describing how they can achieve the general objectives and content outlined in the ŠVP. The school educational program reflects specific regional conditions and the school's unique context. Slovakia has undergone curriculum reform to meet 21st-century educational needs, focusing on critical thinking, digital skills, and other key competencies.