With the progress of information technology, especially the widespread use of artificial intelligence technology, it has shown an important role in promoting economic and social development. Art and design in universities is a new discipline that combines modern technology with humanities and art. Only by emphasizing the development of science and technology, adapting to the requirements of the times, and closely integrating humanities and art with science and technology, can we gradually expand the educational channels for cultivating composite and innovative talents. Effectively organizing different types of scientific research activities, building a sound and comprehensive education system, plays an important role in adjusting teaching relationships, innovating teaching models, enhancing students' professional and comprehensive qualities, and improving their academic performance and employment competitiveness.

Sustainable development within music education is essential, particularly in ensuring that popular music can continually and effectively serve educational systems. This research aims to 1) examine pop music chord progression, 2) develop a chord progression book specifically for teaching music students, and 3) evaluate the effectiveness of this educational tool in improving music composition skills. A mixed-methods approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative research, was used. Research tools included an interview guide, Ioc forms, a textbook, and a performance assessment form. Interviews were conducted with five experts in pop music composition, while a group of 14 undergraduate music students participated in the experimental study. These methods evaluated how teaching popular music chord composition enhances students’ practical composition abilities. The findings indicate that 1) chord composition in popular music primarily involves five aspects: melody, rhythm, chord structure, music form, and melody development techniques, with melody and chord as the foundational elements; 2) the chord progression textbook for popular music differs from traditional composition theory texts, combining theory and practical application with a focus on chord progression techniques; and 3) instruction in popular music chord composition significantly enhances students’ skills in melody creation, production, and listening, ultimately fostering practical music creation abilities. This study supports the sustainable integration of popular music in both music infrastructure construction and music education system development, offering insights into how such integration can drive long-term advancements in music education.