Create
Students compose, improvise, experiment, and develop their own artistic voice through hands-on musical experiences.
Music is more than a class
It is an opportunity to express ideas, collaborate with others, explore cultures, and discover personal strengths. Through singing, movement, instrumental study, ensemble performance, and creative exploration, students build skills that grow with them throughout their educational journey.
Whether students are picking up an instrument for the first time, performing with an ensemble, or leading a student-driven group, they are encouraged to create, perform, and find joy in making music.
A PK3–12 Journey in Music
At every stage, students engage with music in ways that are developmentally appropriate, increasingly challenging, and deeply rewarding. Guided by expert educators, they build the knowledge, confidence, and artistic voice needed to thrive as musicians and lifelong learners.
Perform
From classroom showcases to concerts, festivals, and ensembles, students gain confidence through authentic performance opportunities.
Connect
Music brings students together through collaboration, cultural exploration, and shared experiences that foster community and global understanding.
Early childhood
Lower School
Middle School
upper School
Musical Excellence in Action
Student Achievements and Recognition
MCDS students have earned recognition at the local, state, and national levels for their musical accomplishments
Highlights include:
- National Grand Prize recipient in the Diet Pepsi “You’ve Got the Right One” Challenge
- Florida state winner of the Oscar Mayer Jingle Competition
- Participation in District and State Solo & Ensemble Music Performance Assessments
- Selection to Florida All-State Ensembles
- Superior and Superior with Distinction ratings at state adjudications
- Participation in the Florida All-State High School Honors Jazz Band
Learning from Industry Professionals
Students regularly engage with accomplished performers, educators, and industry professionals through workshops and master classes.
Recent guest artists and presenters have included:
- Preservation Hall Jazz Band
- Stiletto Brass
- Princeton Tiger Lilies
- Yale Out of the Blue
- Kasia Bugaj, Florida State University
- Jacqueline Jove, violinist
- Adam Epstein, Broadway producer
- Nicholas Richberg, musical theater artist
- Belinda Stohner, violinist
Additional master class experiences have included collaborations with musicians from Snarky Puppy, Dayna Stephens, David Hart, and the Frost School of Music Stamps Jazz Ensemble.
Performing Throughout South Florida and Beyond
Music students have the opportunity to perform in professional venues, community festivals, educational conferences, and cultural events throughout the region and beyond.
Recent performance venues and events include:
- Carnegie Hall
- Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
- Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
- Florida All-State Conference
- Florida Panthers events
- Harlem Globetrotters events at the University of Miami
- Nu Deco Next
Community festivals and concert series throughout South Florida and Florida’s Treasure Coast
These experiences help students develop confidence, professionalism, and the ability to connect with diverse audiences through music.
Summer Programs and Enrichment Opportunities
MCDS musicians regularly pursue advanced study through highly respected summer programs and youth ensembles, including:
- Frost School of Music Summer Camp
- Florida Youth Orchestra
- Greater Miami Youth Symphony
- Berklee College of Music Summer Program
- Stanford Summer Jazz Program
- Mike Block String Camp
- Students also have access to private instruction with leading professional musicians from across South Florida.
Students also have access to private instruction with leading professional musicians from across South Florida.
The Endorsement
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students earn the Arts Diploma Endorsement, which appears on their official transcript as recognition of their dedication, sustained artistic study, and commitment to excellence in the arts.
While the endorsement is non-credit bearing and does not impact GPA calculations, it serves as a meaningful distinction that demonstrates initiative, passion, and achievement to colleges, universities, and future opportunities.
