Dance and music, built for every student.
M.U.S.E.D. brings dance and digital music production to public schools, TK through 8th grade, during the school day and after school.
Who we are
We nurture the growth of every student from multiple angles: creatively, emotionally, intellectually, and socially.
Our programs guide students to new heights in their personal and artistic development through expert instruction and a supportive environment.
Self-expression, collaboration, creativity, and skill-building are the foundation. Whether through dance or music, we encourage young minds to explore boldly, express authentically, and grow into confident, capable people ready to make an impact on their communities and beyond.
More than a decade in public schools
M.U.S.E.D. is built on more than ten years of experience delivering arts education in public schools. We design and run both during-school and after-school programs, across a wide variety of educational settings.
Instructors who are trained and supported
Our instructors receive thorough training and ongoing professional development, and stay connected to program developers and supervisors through open, consistent communication. They teach our field-tested curriculum and methodology, which gives structure and vision while leaving room for each instructor's own style. Students get high-quality instruction, and our team gets a collaborative place to work.
Dance initiative
Artistic expression and physical vitality, for students in TK through 8th grade.
Students explore movement as a powerful form of communication and wellness. Our instruction is multicultural and multilingual, a celebration of global rhythm, cultural connection, and whole-body health.
Students learn age-appropriate dance fundamentals and interpretive movement that build fitness, motor coordination, and creative expression. The program ends with a community showcase where students perform what they have learned.
Through movement, students develop
- Cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength
- Flexibility and spatial awareness
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Goal setting and teamwork
Styles students dance
- American swing
- International ballroom
- Urban hip-hop
- Traditional folkloric dance
Our method blends playfulness with discipline. Clear, step-by-step instruction lets movement sequences grow in complexity, so students take positive risks and keep rising to new physical and artistic challenges. Dance instruction aligns with California state standards in P.E., music, and dance, and connects to broader academic and social development goals.
Dance curriculum by grade
Every grade gets a high-energy aerobic hip-hop unit and a social, ballroom, or folkloric unit. Each year builds on the last in complexity, artistry, and confidence. Pick a grade to see what students learn.
Music production initiative
Students dive into sound, rhythm, and creative technology.
Through hands-on exploration and guided instruction, students discover how music can be a powerful tool for expression, connection, and growth. Our program prepares them for a future where artistic fluency and technological literacy go hand in hand.
Students engage in
- Digital music creation and production
- Building beats and composing melodies
- Exploring the art of DJing and live mixing
- Understanding music theory through play and experimentation
Through these experiences, students
- Develop fine motor and auditory processing skills
- Strengthen focus, pattern recognition, and memory
- Learn to collaborate and share their creative voice
- Build confidence through performance and presentation
How we teach music
Students thrive when creative freedom is balanced with structured learning. We pair playful exploration with focused skill-building drills, so students gain confidence and technical ability in a low-pressure setting.
Digital tools let students compose quickly, experiment fearlessly, and see their musical ideas laid out. Seeing song structure helps them understand composition and analyze what they hear. Each lesson is broken into bite-sized pieces, so students make steady progress toward full, original compositions and celebrate milestones along the way. The flexible structure lets every student learn at their own pace.
Basic
Students jump into music-making by mastering the essentials of rhythm: beats, measures, and tempo. They explore the basics of musical notation and learn to find notes on the piano. They quickly gain confidence with digital music platforms, practice recording techniques, and complete foundational tasks that open up creative possibilities. Every step is hands-on and energizing.
Advanced
Students deepen their understanding with key signatures, scales, and chord structures, connecting notation, melody, and harmony. Advanced digital techniques let them manipulate tracks within a composition, experiment with arrangement, and refine their creative vision.
Learning that connects
Our programs are designed to support Common Core State Standards, so creative expression and academic learning strengthen each other.
Through movement, music, and multimedia, students build proficiency in:
- English Language ArtsInterpreting lyrics, telling stories through choreography, reflecting on artistic processes, and presenting original work to peers.
- MathematicsCounting beats, recognizing rhythmic patterns, sequencing steps, and using spatial reasoning in dance and composition.
- Speaking and ListeningCollaborating on projects, joining group discussions, following instructions, and performing for an audience.
Social emotional learning
SEL is a foundational pillar of the M.U.S.E.D. experience. We see it as essential to nurturing the whole student: mind, heart, and spirit.
SEL is woven into every program. Through creative practice and reflection, students are empowered to:
- Build authentic relationships rooted in empathy and respect
- Understand and manage their emotions with confidence
- Discover a strong sense of identity and purpose
- Navigate challenges with resilience and curiosity
- Contribute meaningfully to a positive, inclusive community
In safe, vibrant spaces for emotional growth, students become more skilled, compassionate, and empowered. Those traits lead to stronger academic success, personal fulfillment, and lasting confidence.
Standards we address
Both programs map to California content standards. Open any standard to see how it shows up in class.
Dance: P.E. standards
California Physical Education Model Content Standards for elementary students.
Standard 1: Motor skills and movement patternsPE 1.1 to 1.7
Students demonstrate a variety of locomotor and non-locomotor skills through diverse dance activities, including walking, hopping, sliding, balancing, and creating sequences that develop coordination, agility, and rhythmic movement.
Standard 2: Movement conceptsPE 2.1 to 2.6
Students apply movement concepts to enhance performance, including direction, levels, effort, and relationships, while moving through space with awareness and creativity.
Standard 3: Physical fitnessPE 3.1 to 3.4
Students assess and maintain fitness through cardiovascular, strength-building, and flexibility exercises built into dance routines. They set personal goals and learn the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle.
Standard 4: Responsible personal and social behaviorPE 4.1 to 4.6
Students show respect for themselves and others while working cooperatively in group dance. They learn to follow rules, accept feedback, and practice self-control and empathy.
Standard 5: Value of physical activityPE 5.1 to 5.4
Students recognize dance as a valuable, enjoyable form of physical activity that contributes to self-expression, stress relief, and lifelong wellness.
Music: Arts and Media Arts standards
California Arts and Media Arts Content Standards for elementary students.
Standard 1: CreatingMU:Cr1.1 to Cr2.1 / MA:Cr1.1 to Cr2.1
Students generate and develop artistic ideas using digital tools to build melodies, rhythms, and soundscapes. They organize those ideas into original compositions and multimedia projects.
Standard 2: Performing and producingMU:Pr4.1 to Pr6.1 / MA:Pr4.1 to Pr5.1
Students prepare and present musical work through DJing, live mixing, and ensemble production. They practice and refine their technical and artistic skills to express their intent.
Standard 3: RespondingMU:Re7.1 to Re8.1 / MA:Re7.1 to Re8.1
Students listen to, analyze, and reflect on their own work and the work of others. They explore how musical elements and creative choices shape meaning and emotional response.
Standard 4: ConnectingMU:Cn10.0 to Cn11.0 / MA:Cn10.0 to Cn11.0
Students relate music and media arts to their personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and community values, and examine how art reflects and influences society and history.
Where we work
Our programs run in school districts across California and New Mexico, in urban and rural communities and with students from many cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
California
- Los Angeles
- Bakersfield
- Salinas
- Gilroy
- Evergreen
- Union City
- Fairfield/Suisun
- Woodland
- Marysville
- Napa
New Mexico
- Albuquerque
Every program is shaped to be inclusive, engaging, and effective for every student, no matter their background.
Bring M.U.S.E.D. to your school
Tell us about your school or district and which program you are interested in. We will follow up about the 2026-2027 program menu.