[2] It is primarily composed of band musicians, and also deals with the selection and musical training of its recruits.

The branch encompasses all the military bands in service in the Canadian Armed Forces.

[4] The music branch as a whole is responsible for fostering morale in the CF and providing musical support for all aspects of military life and for official military ceremonies, including guards of honour for dignitaries.

[2] The Directorate of History and Heritage is a sub-department of the Department of National Defence that is responsible to the Chief of Military Personnel (CMP) for providing personnel and technical advice regarding the Music Branch.

[2] It was founded on 1 September 1996 by merging the Canadian Forces Music Centre and the Directorate of Military Traditions and Heritage.