Students in Montessori Pre-School classes, attending school 3 or more days a week, receive music instruction 20 minutes each week; and Kindergarten classes receive music instruction up to 50 minutes each week, in two 25-minute class periods. They learn songs, participate in rhythmic activities, learn simple folk and circle dances, begin learning to read standard musical notation, and are introduced to percussion instruments.

Students in Grades 1 through Grade 5 receive music instruction 60 minutes each week, in two 30-minute class periods. Skills introduced in Grade 1 are built upon and developed as the students progress through Grade 5.

Grades 1 – 3

Students learn songs, use percussion instruments, read standard musical notation (saying "ta", "ti-ti", and "rest"), learn music symbols and directions, study instruments of the orchestra, participate in folk dances, and learn about the autoharp. The singing of rounds is introduced in Grade 2, and partner songs are introduced in Grade 3.

Grades 4 – 5

Students read standard musical notation by saying "1 and 2 and, etc.". They begin singing in simple 2-part harmony.  Grade 5 students also have the opportunity to learn to play a band instrument and participate in Beginning Band. Band instruction is given by a teacher from Bellarmine Preparatory School. Students can continue in Advanced Band in Grades 6 – 8.

Students in Grades 1 through 5 are graded on their level of participation and enthusiasm in the music classroom activities.

Students in Grade 6 receive music instruction twice a week for 30-minute periods*. The Wednesday class is Rhythm Fundamentals/Choir Chimes. It is focused around rhythm. The first trimester, the students learn to read and perform standard musical notation using rhythm sticks and a variety of instruments. In addition, they will experiment with many rhythmic games and activities. The second trimester, the students learn to play choir chimes, using some of their note-reading skills gained from the first trimester of study. Finally, the third trimester, the students learn a variety of folk dances, building on the premise that rhythm involves the whole body.

Sixth grade students are graded on their participation in class activities and on their ability to master the rhythmic skills demonstrated in class. Determination of skill mastery involves individual and group effort in reaching goals.

*NOTE - The Thursday class for sixth grade is taught by a different teacher and focuses more on singing and vocal technique.

Students in Grades 7 and 8 have the opportunity to take Choir as an elective one or more trimesters during the school year. The class is taught by another teacher.