Drake has long emphasized the importance of the academic and intellectual side of music for all music students. Students are required to take five semesters of music theory, including courses in aural skills and twentieth-century practices. During the first two years of music theory, students will be introduced to species counterpoint, four-part voice-leading methods, Roman numeral analysis, and many other compositional and analytical practices.  Students also have the opportunity to take elective courses in fields such as counterpoint, structure and design, and orchestration, and private composition lessons are available upon request.

Music students are also required to take four semesters of music history and literature. Incoming freshmen will frequently take an Introduction to Music Literature their first semester, introducing them to important concepts in musical style, chronology, and research techniques. Later courses include world music and a two-semester survey of the history of western music, which is generally taken during the junior year. Elective courses are also offered in such fields as jazz history and symphonic literature, as well as special seminars such as "Women in Music" and "Music and Politics."

Non-music majors also have the opportunity to take courses in the music department, all of which fulfill requirements for the Artistic Experience AOI. These include surveys of music in western culture, jazz literature, world music, and music since 1900, all of which are taught by full-time music faculty.