Beginning in fifth grade, Middle School music allows students to build their vocal and instrumental skills, both in ensemble classes like strings, jazz, chorus and winds, as well as a variety of Middle School electives based on student interest and ideas. In Middle School music, students learn through the processes of creation and play. They are exposed to a wide variety of ways of listening to and experiencing music, and study the social and historical contexts of musical genres.

Teachers put an emphasis on music as a means of expression and connecting with others. Throughout the Middle School music program, students grow as composers, singers and performers and develop literacy in reading and improvising music. They become proficient in an instrument and gain confidence as performers, with older students often inspiring younger students through cross-grade collaboration.