The Department of Music offers a curriculum that combines a thorough training in instrumental and vocal performance with wide-ranging studies in music history, music theory, composition, jazz, and computer music. Opportunities for musical performance include membership in the UCI Symphony, UCI Jazz Orchestra, various chamber and wind ensembles, UCI Anteater Band, and numerous choral ensembles.
The Department is housed in the Music and Media Building, which encompasses classrooms, rehearsal rooms, practice rooms, and the Gassmann computer music and digital arts research laboratory, as well as offices and studios for faculty and staff. Performance venues on campus include the Winifred Smith Hall, Claire Trevor Bren Theatre, and Irvine Barclay Theatre.