In elementary music, students are taught the fundamentals of music: rhythms, melody, harmony, form, tone color, dynamics, and tempo. These musical elements are organized as points of departure for students to learn about musical aesthetics, history and culture, performance, and the process used to critique and analyze. Activities include singing, playing instruments, listening, moving to music, reading music, and creating music.

At the middle school level, music is taught during a single grading period. Each grade's curriculum has a performance and a conceptual focus. In sixth grade, students learn to play the keyboard and study the role of music in their lives. In seventh grade, students learn guitar and study American music and its roots. Eighth grade students engage in such activities as keyboard playing, guitar playing, dance, musical theater, or music sequencing using a computer. At the same time, students study musical and musically related careers.

In high school, students may elect to participate in a number of performing ensembles including orchestra, band, and choir. High schools offer piano and guitar classes and may offer music theory, listening, Theater and Film, or 20th Century Popular Music classes which focus on experiencing music in a way that benefits each individual. Aesthetics, history and culture, performance, and critique and analysis are studied in depth.

The arts are a fundamental part of human culture and identity, shaping every individual and society. They contribute to our economy and provide meaning to our lives through music, sculptures, dance, animations, and plays. Recognizing the value of the arts, it is important to provide a well-rounded education that includes arts for all students. The National Core Arts Standards aim to define artistic literacy, including philosophical foundations, lifelong goals, artistic processes, and performance standards.