Music, through its inherent ability to develop intellectual and emotional communication skills, encourages cultural awareness and enriches society. The FCPS music curriculum provides opportunities for students to attain the knowledge and skills necessary to be become musically literate, well-rounded individuals.

The FCPS Music Program of Studies is organized into four strands:

• PERFORM: developing musicianship through singing, playing instruments, and moving to music
• CREATE: using the notational tools of music to express ideas, thoughts, and feelings; includes individual approaches to improvisation
• INVESTIGATE: utilizing the study of music theory for music reading; analyzing the manner through which music is organized; making informed judgments about music and arts
• CONNECT: awareness of the commonality between music and other disciplines

Music study is essential to the education process because it develops:

• Intellectual skills required to comprehend the language of music
• Interpersonal skills through participation in general music, vocal, and instrumental ensembles
• A broader understanding of history
• An understanding of the role of music in other cultures
• Performance skills commensurate with individual ability and interest