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.

Also, no fewer than 27 professors from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre also tutored students at TMHS.

Most of Estonia's better-known musicians of the middle and younger generations are alumnae of TMHS, including: Composers: Conductors: Pianists: