VCA Music was established in 1974. Initially with a focus on classical repertoire and performance, the department has expanded over the years to embrace improvisation, composition, opera and music theatre. The VCA context is unique in that it offers music students the opportunity to work on projects with students from other Disciplines, providing diverse collaborative opportunities that are essential for the musician working in the 21st century.

Students from around the world are attracted to VCA Music for the diverse programs offered, its strong focus on performance and its inherent approach to cross-disciplinary experimentation. VCA Music is committed to the performance, composition, teaching and investigation of Indigenous and contemporary Australian music.

All VCA Music courses have a practical focus, with the provision of individual instrumental or vocal tuition, small and large ensemble tuition and performance-related studies which include aural, analysis, music technology, performance criticism, aesthetics and musical contexts.