Music has been an important part of daily life in Nunavut, and it has helped define Inuit culture through rapidly changing times. Of all forms of traditional Inuit music, none was more popular than drum dancing, which played a part in almost every gathering, whether it be a celebration of birth, a marriage, the changing of the seasons, a successful hunt, a first kill, a greeting for visitors, or to honour someone who had died. In these instances, news of a special event would be spread by word of mouth; many people would travel long distances to attend. Some dances took place with just a few participants, others might fill a special snow house where people gathered to socialise. Drum dancing was enjoyed by people of all ages.

In the traditional dance, singers - usually women - sat in a circle. Sometimes a man would volunteer to be the first dancer; at other times a group of men sitting behind the singers would coax someone to start. If no one came forward, the women would start singing, usually a personal song of a man in attendance, who would then be obligated to dance.

Except for occasional tea breaks, drum dances continued long into the night. Women and children usually participated in the drumming toward the end of the dance. While drum dancing is not as important to Inuit life as it once was, it is still practised in communities such as Arviat, Baker Lake, Rankin Inlet, Repulse Bay, Gjoa Haven, Kugluktuk, Cambridge Bay, Pelly Bay, Taloyoak and Igloolik. Unfortunately, drum dancing is generally no longer practised for traditional reasons; in most places it is done for tourists. It is sometimes performed at symbolic celebrations such as opening ceremonies for conferences and festivals, at graduations, and in movie productions.

In the past, singing was also a very important part of Inuit culture. Almost every adult had their own personal song, of which there were many types: songs of contest, songs of satire, and occasionally, humorous songs with obscene lyrics. There were songs about hardship, happiness, loneliness, love, and hatred. There were also songs of legends that have been a part of Inuit music for centuries. Some songs were rivalry songs, where two "enemies" would insult each other through lyrics. One such song might go like this:

Every song was a story in itself, a life experience of the composer.

Some songs, however, had no ownership. These were sung to Inuit transients who attended a dance while passing through a camp, and were sometimes even sung to non-Inuit. Personal songs could also be given to another person. A song owner might give his song to show appreciation for help given in time of need, or to someone bearing the same name as himself.

Throat singing is a well-known form of Inuit music that is usually performed by two women. The singers stand face to face; it helps if one singer is taller than the other. Each singer repeats a different sound in a fast rhythm. The low-pitched sound that is the trademark of throat singing represents sounds made by different birds and animals. Sometimes, throat singing can be a contest to see who can sing the longest. Some women are able to throat sing by themselves, using a large bowl or kettle held near the singer's mouth to give resonance. This method is common in the Arviatarea.

European music first came to the Inuit from whalers and traders of the Hudson’s Bay Co. in the form of songs and instruments, especially the mouth organ, button accordion, fiddle, and Jew's harp. With the arrival of radio, country-western and bluegrass music also came to Nunavut. Many Inuit sent to southern hospitals also heard new tunes that they brought back to Nunavut.

Most of today's famous Inuit musicians are self-taught, and continue to be largely influenced by country-and-western music. Gospel music is another very popular style of singing. Inuit musicians, especially pioneers like Charlie Panigoniak, Simon Sigjariaq, Mary Atuat Thompson, Peter and Susan Aningmiuq, William Tagoona, and Itulu Itidlui are very popular with the general public. Many combine aspects of traditional Inuit music with modern instruments. Many Inuit musicians first became well-known across the North after being heard on CBC North radio. Today, the annual True North Concert and media coverage of regional music festivals bring these performers to an even wider audience. Today’s social gatherings and community celebrations are often highlighted by square dances. Bands play time-worn tunes from across the Atlantic that were introduced to the North long ago by homesick whalers and traders.