Founded in 1965, the Department of Music has been providing practical and academic training in both Chinese and Western music for over half a century. It is Hong Kong's first degree-granting music department and awarded its first BA diplomas in 1969. Since the 1980s it has offered a growing range of postgraduate studies, and it currently offers courses leading to the MA, MMus, and DMus degrees as well. Today, there are about 130 undergraduate students enrolled in programmes leading to a BA in Music, and over 100 students in the postgraduate programmes.

The international teaching team of the Department of Music offers a wide range of expertise and a comprehensive curriculum. Training in applied music is offered by many of Hong Kong's leading professional musicians.

The University's library and archival collections for music are among the most important in Asia. The Department owns an extensive collection of Asian and Western instruments. Its performance facilities include the Lee Hysan Concert Hall, which has been recognised for its fine acoustics, and the Chung Chi College chapel. Students are offered a wide range performance opportunities: orchestra, wind orchestra, choir, and chamber music ensembles, and more specialised ensembles (including African drumming, Chinese Music, early music, and jazz).