The primary purpose of the fraternity is to encourage and actively promote the highest standards of creativity, performance, education and research in music in America. Further purposes are to develop and encourage loyalty to the Alma Mater, to foster the mutual welfare and brotherhood of students of music, to develop the truest fraternal spirit among its members, and to instill in all people an awareness of music's highly important role in the enrichment of the human spirit. Currently there are over 180 active collegiate chapters as well as numerous alumni chapters throughout the United States. On the national level the fraternity grants scholarships, commissions new works, and sponsors a wide variety of programs and projects through the Sinfonia Foundation. Locally, Phi Mu Alpha presents two recitals annually, with one recital devoted exclusively to American music, and conducts a wide variety of social activities, musical endeavors, and service projects.
Membership is open to any man with an interest in working to advance the cause of music in America.
Rush activities are held at the beginning of each semester. Sigma Alpha Iota is an international music fraternity for women. Its purpose is to foster interest in music and to promote social contact among talented women musicians sharing the same ideals and interests in music. SAI has been a pioneer in supporting music education, performance, theory, and composition both nationally and in local colleges and communities. The council represents music education students.