The faculty and students of the school present more than 1,000 concerts, recitals, and stage performances throughout the year, both on and off campus. In addition, visiting artists and scholars from throughout the world present master classes and lectures that complement the concert and academic offerings provided on the Urbana-Champaign campus. The School of Music has been an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music since 1933.

The School offers two professional undergraduate degrees: the Bachelor of Music and the Bachelor of Music Education. Undergraduate students whose musical interests are in the broad historical, cultural, and theoretical aspects of music (rather than professional training) may want to investigate the Bachelor of Arts degree, also offered by the School of Music. Graduate degrees are offered in a variety of fields of study in music at the master's and doctoral levels. The School also offers a post-Master's Artist Diploma degree.

Bands, choral ensembles, orchestras, jazz bands, new music ensembles, world music ensembles, opera theatre, and many other musical organizations are open by audition to music and non-music majors and members of the university and civic communities. Private lessons and courses in music history, theory, and music appreciation are open to all qualified students in the University. A minor in music for non-music majors is also available.