The large concentrations of German immigrants contributed to the musical character of the city. Saengerbund festivals were held regularly. Also notable is the founding of the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in 1899.

Venues such as Pabst Theater, Marcus Amphitheater, Riverside Theater, The Northern Lights Theater, and The Rave frequently bring internationally-known and critically acclaimed acts to Milwaukee.

Milwaukee has enjoyed a vibrant history of rock, jazz, soul, blues, punk, ska, industrial music, goth, hip hop, electronica and pop music bands.

Some musicians who have risen out of the Milwaukee scene to regional and national prominence are Coo Coo Cal, Jerry Harrison, Woody Herman, Liberace, saxophonist Warren Wiegratz, blues giant Hubert Sumlin, the BoDeans, Maritime, Violent Femmes, Citizen King, The Gufs, The Promise Ring, Little Blue Crunchy Things, Eric Bénet, Al Jarreau and Oil Tasters.

The city is also home to Beer City Records, a local punk rock label.