High School Regional Programs ⟶ Program Themes ⟶ Music

Music

MCPS Regional Music Programs provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to pursue postsecondary opportunities in the arts. Through rigorous coursework and authentic musical experiences, students are prepared to continue their studies through college or enter the arts workforce directly after high school.

The program integrates performance, theory, musicianship, and career‑focused learning to support both artistic development and professional readiness within a comprehensive music pathway.

Core Experiences

Cohort experience in Musicianship 1 freshman year
Multiple class periods each year in arts content
Earn MSDE Arts Pathway Diploma Seal
AP Music Theory junior year
Real world experience in the students chosen arts content through proposal and execution of a capstone project
Real world experience in the students chosen arts content through partnerships with industry professionals
Opportunity to earn business related industry recognized credential (IRC) in either entrepreneurship or marketing

Program Goals

Develop Foundational Knowledge and Skills in the Arts
Equip students with a strong academic foundation in the core concepts and practical techniques of music, while also becoming fluent in the technological tools used by modern music professionals.
Provide Hands-On, Real-World Experience in the Arts
“Move beyond the classroom” by requiring students to apply their knowledge in an authentic context through a Capstone Project and cultivated experiences with industry professionals.
Foster College, Career, and/or Community Pathways in the Arts
Support students in exploring and pursuing postsecondary education and careers in the arts by offering certifications, dual enrollment opportunities, and engagement with industry professionals.

Application & Locations

Application: Criteria-based application

Schools:

Region 1: Einstein
Region 2: Blake
Region 3: Woodward
Region 4: Richard Montgomery
Region 5: Quince Orchard
Region 6: Damascus

Course Progression

Below is a sample sequence of courses for students enrolled in the Music Program. Cells in purple are related to the program pathway. This is subject to change as the programs are developed.

Grades 6–8	Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
MS Music courses
	Ensemble or General Music Course	Ensemble or General Music Course	Ensemble or General Music Course	Ensemble or General Music Course Complete Capstone
	Musicianship	General Music course or Level 1 Business/Management Course or World Language	AP Music Theory	General Music Course or Business Elective
	English	English	English	English
	Math	Math	Math	Math
	Science	Science	Science	Elective (PE, Technology or Health)
	Social Studies	Social Studies	Social Studies	Elective (PE, Technology or Health)
	World Language	Elective (PE, Technology or Health)	General Music Course or Level 2 Business/Management Course or World Language	General Music Course or Level 3 Business/Management Course or World Language

Program Requirements

In addition to MCPS requirements for graduation, students mustcomplete the following to remain enrolled in the Music Program and earn the related certificate:

Music Core (6 Credits)
- Musicianship
- AP Music Theory
- 4 credits ensemble or general music courses
Focus (4 credits)
- Music - 4 credits in general music courses
- World Languages - 4 credits of world languages in grades 10-12 plus Seal of Biliteracy
- Fine Arts Business/Management - 4 credits of CTE pathway in business or management or business electives