The Department achieves its mission through only the highest quality solo and ensemble performances, pedagogy, creative activities, and research lead by, and overseen by both highly trained educations and professionals. It is the goal of the Music faculty to foster musical excellence in performance, research, and learning, through faculty and student involvement in public performances, research publications, and other creative activities both on and off campus. With the York College Choir and the Jazz Workshop, these activities are important aspects of the public's perception of college culture, life, and quality.

The Music discipline's curricula and activities are in keeping with other leading public universities throughout the city of New York and beyond. The York College Jazz Workshop has performed at art openings, the CUNY Jazz Festival, Medgar Evers College, and Queens College. In April of 2006, the Jazz Workshop was featured in Weltreisen on the German television station ARD.

The Jazz Workshop is also an integral part of the Jazz Forum series, co-produced by the Performing & Fine Arts Department and Performing Arts Center.