The goal of music education is to empower students to experience music as a source of personal enrichment, as a vehicle for the constructive expression of human emotions, and as a unique intellectual discipline. This goal is attained through a structured, sequential program of study. Students develop an intellectual understanding of music through experiences in singing, moving, listening, and playing instruments. They learn to read and notate music and to create and perform compositions that transcribe their thoughts and emotions into concrete, music forms of expression. Students exercise their critical thinking skills by investigating and analyzing all facets of the music discipline, employing both traditional modes of instruction and the latest technological advancements. 

Music education is a vital component to NPS’s goal of providing a well-rounded education to all students.  Through the process of creating and performing music, students learn skills that are applicable to all job and career pathways.  

The Norfolk Public Schools Music Department’s mission is to provide ALL students with a thorough and rigorous music educational experience that allows them to maximize their musical potential and develop lifelong skills through the study and performance of music.