The Music Department teaches music not only as a liberal art but also for professional pursuits, offering courses for students in all majors. Many students choose to satisfy the fine arts requirement by taking Music for the Listener, which is offered every semester, or by taking one of several courses in music history, which range from medieval to modern music.

The department also offers specialized course work leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major or a minor in music, a minor in music technology, and a major in music merchandising. Students who major in music may choose to concentrate on applied vocal or instrumental music, music theory and composition, or music history. This track prepares students for graduate study or to pursue music as a performer and teacher.

Music merchandising majors combine their musical studies with courses in business and marketing to prepare themselves for music business careers such as music retailers, sales representatives, sound technicians, talent agents, and in symphony and opera management. Although available to all Lewis Unviersity students, the newly implemented minor in music technology is an innovative option to music merchandising majors interested in recording, software design, and electroacoustic composition. The music merchandising program also involves an internship experience, often at world class companies such as the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Courses in music theory and history are taught by experienced full-time faculty who are creatively active as composers, performers, conductors, and scholars. Computer assisted instruction is an essential component in the study of music theory. Students also take private lessons in piano, voice, guitar, and all orchestral instruments with instructors who are active in music performance in the Chicago area.

Music majors and minors have the opportunity to perform in one of the university's many ensembles every semester. The department maintains a symphony orchestra, a college choir, a vocal jazz ensemble, a gospel choir, a jazz band, a guitar ensemble and a wind ensemble. These ensembles are directed by full and part-time faculty who have established themselves as respected conductors at the local, regional, and national level. All these ensembles perform every semester and are open to members of the community as well as to students in all majors. Some require an audition.

Every semester the department, in cooperation with the Arts and Ideas program, sponsors a series of concerts presented by guest artists, faculty, alumni, and students, as well as performances by the resident music ensembles. Music majors in both tracks are invited to participate in or attend these concerts, which are provided without additional charge to students.

Financial aid is available for music study at Lewis University in a number of forms. In addition to the financial aid available through the university, the Music Department offers a limited number of Talent Scholarships to promising students who intend to major in music. These scholarships are not based upon financial need but on musical ability and potential as demonstrated in an audition for the faculty. Talent Scholarships may be combined with grants, loans, and work-study programs available from other sources.