TMHS was founded in 1961 to ensure a sufficient number of quality applicants to the Tallinn State Conservatory (now
Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre). It did fulfill its goal successfully, as 80–100% of graduates continued their studies at EAMT or at other music academies abroad. TMHS was the only school in Estonia that provided a professional music education alongside the general primary and secondary curriculum. This system prepared students for a career in music or in any other field. There were 38 senior teachers and 23 teachers on staff with qualifications to teach at the university level. Also, no fewer than 27 professors from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre also tutored students at TMHS. TMHS was closed in spring 2022; since September 2022, similar education is provided by
Tallinn School of Music and Ballet which was formed by merger of TMHS,
Georg Ots Music School of Tallinn, and
Tallinn Ballet School. ==Principals==