Music at Austin ISD

Austin ISD Fine Arts believes in strong music education because it develops well-rounded students through active music-making that builds discipline, creativity, collaboration, and critical listening while supporting confidence, perseverance, and social-emotional growth. Music instruction connects academic learning to real-world skills such as teamwork, goal-setting, time management, and technical proficiency, while also fostering cultural understanding and civic engagement through performance and ensemble participation. By providing equitable access to music education, students with diverse learning styles are supported, school engagement and achievement are strengthened, and learners are prepared for college, careers, and active participation in society.

Important Notices

Attendance at performances and rehearsals outside school hours is required and included in grades. In addition to the regular curriculum, students will be required to complete extra work for weighted credit. Within one music strand, students are encouraged to follow the sequence of courses to complete a Humanities and Fine Arts endorsement.

ORCHESTRA I-IV
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts)
Grade: 9-12

Recommended Prerequisite: Orchestra, Middle School 1 (Beginning), Middle School 2 (Intermediate), and Middle School 3 (Advanced) and/or director's approval recommended for placement in all ensembles.
High school orchestra classes are offered for a sequential, continuing study of orchestral music. The four orchestra levels are generally a continuation of the orchestra curriculum from middle school skills. Orchestra I-IV is performance-oriented and focuses on individual as well as ensemble skills. Students develop advanced string/orchestral techniques as they study the wide range of orchestral literature.
Advanced musicianship is developed through the study of instrumental techniques, sight-reading skills, and music listening. Students are expected to furnish their own instruments, although some instruments may be available for use from the campus. Rapidly progressing students may be transferred to a more advanced orchestra level as approved by the director, and as scheduling permits. Out-of-school rehearsals and performances are required.

GUITAR I-IV
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts)
Grade: 9-12

Recommended Prerequisite: Guitar, Middle School 1 (Beginning), Middle School 2 (Intermediate), Middle School 3 (Advanced) and/or director’s approval recommended for placement in all classes.
Students develop guitar techniques and study guitar literature.

PIANO I-IV
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts)
Grade: 9-12

Recommended Prerequisite: Piano, Middle School 1 (Beginning), Middle School 2 (Intermediate), Middle School 3 (Advanced) or another middle school music course such as band, choir, orchestra or guitar and/or director’s approval recommended for placement in all classes.
Students develop piano techniques and study piano literature.