This study navigates the digital transformation challenges within music education at higher vocational colleges and universities, proposing an innovative approach that integrates modern technology to enhance student musicality. Employing a mixed-methods research framework that combines quantitative and qualitative analyses, we explore the impact of digital teaching tools, including artificial intelligence and multimedia resources, on students’ musical understanding and creativity. Our findings reveal that students engaged with our digital-enhanced educational model exhibit significant improvements in rhythmic sense (30% increase) and creativity (25% increase) compared to traditional settings. This synergy of music education and technology elevates teaching outcomes and fosters innovative thinking among students, suggesting new directions for the evolution of music education in higher education institutions.