Visual and Performing Arts 

Metro Nashville Public Schools dance programs provide students with opportunities to develop self-confidence, work cooperatively, and explore their movement potential.

Students are engaged in inquiry, discovery, problem solving, and decision making as they create, analyze, perform, and critique their work. Students also develop an understanding of cultural and historical contexts through a variety of experiences in their dance classes.

Each dance program is unique because the teachers share their personal expertise in an array of genres that include world cultural dance, ballet/pointe, modern dance, jazz, hip-hop, tap, and social dance. All courses include elements of composition that enable students to hone their choreography skills.

MNPS dance graduates have continued on to successful teaching careers in public and private schools. Others have performed on Broadway, for numerous musical artists, and in professional ballet and modern dance companies.

Music education is offered in all zoned and magnet schools in grades Kindergarten through 12. Elementary music is standards-based and provided during the school day to all students by certified music specialists.

And our Music Makes Us initiative allows us to offer world-class music education and support for Nashville students.

At the middle school level, music instruction is offered at all schools as an elective. Course selection varies from school to school and may include general music, orchestra, chorus, band, mariachi, world percussion, rock band, and guitar. Classes are taught during the school day and the curricula are standards-based.

High school music courses are co-curricular electives and may fulfill fine arts graduation requirements. Courses include chorus, band, orchestra, concert band, wind ensemble, instrumental techniques, jazz band, percussion ensemble, general music, piano, guitar, and music theory. Other course offerings vary by school and may include world percussion, mariachi, rock band, songwriting, and music production/technology.

Our programs and ensembles have been recognized for their excellence locally, as well as at the state and national levels. We are proud to have been recognized by the NAMM Foundation as one of the "Best Communities for Music Education."

Our theatre programs empower students to become fearless communicators and innovative problem-solvers through immersive, hands-on experiences. Whether commanding center stage or appreciating the craft from the audience, students develop a deep understanding of theatre as both literary art and live performance.

Skills That Shine Onstage and Beyond:

• Performance Excellence: Students integrate singing, acting, and dance to bring scripted works to life
• Daily Communication Mastery: Classroom exercises build confidence in public speaking and message delivery
• Creative Expression: From improvisational games to original works, students discover and develop their unique artistic voice
• Professional Preparation: Comprehensive coursework in acting, design, directing, musical theatre, public speaking, and theatre technology

Open to All, Designed for Growth

Our inclusive theatre programs welcome students at every experience level. Available both as credited coursework during school hours and engaging extracurricular activities, these programs provide multiple pathways for students to explore their theatrical interests.

Through theatre, students don't just learn to perform—they learn to think, communicate, and lead with creativity and confidence, preparing them for whatever stage life presents.

Art is for everyone and every MNPS student has the opportunity to create, explore and express themselves through visual art. 

Our K to 12 visual art instruction is taught by certified art educators, using a flexible curriculum that allows teachers to bring their own creative approaches while ensuring students build skills and knowledge consistently across the district

• In Elementary School, Kindergarten through 5th grade, every student receives instruction in the visual arts as part of their school experience.
• In Middle School, most students dive into visual art as part of their related arts rotation - a great way to try new techniques and discover personal style.
• In High School, the options open up further. Students can choose from courses such as Art I-III, Painting, Ceramics, Printmaking, Digital Design, and a variety of advanced AP, Cambridge, and IB visual arts selections.

No matter the grade, or path, our visual arts program helps students develop creative thinking, problem solving, and artistic skills they can carry with them for life.