The Colorado Academic Standards were recently updated in 2020. For more details click
HERE.
Standards in Music
The Colorado Academic Standards in music are the topical organization of the concepts and skills all
Colorado students should know and be able to do throughout their preschool through twelfth-grade
experience.
1. Expression of Music
The expression of music is the process of practice, refinement, and performance of acquired musical
knowledge and skills to communicate a range of thoughts and emotions.
2. Creation of Music
The creation of music is the demonstration of learned skills in the composition, improvisation, and
arranging of music.
3. Theory of Music
The theory of music is the understanding of the distinctive language, conventions, mechanics, and
structure of organized sound. Investigation of music theory allows for a more complete understanding
of all aspects of the musical process.
4. Aesthetic Valuation of Music
The aesthetic valuation of music focuses on the knowledge and perspectives needed to make informed
evaluations and critiques of music. It also addresses the historical, cultural, and societal contexts which
are often the beauty, heart, and soul of music