The alt.usage.english FAQ   

• "face the music"

  (Phrase Origins)
  
  

  
     This expression, meaning "accept the unpleasant consequences", is
  first recorded in the U.S. around 1850.  It may derive from musical
  theatre:  a nervous actor would have to summon all his courage to
  face the audience across the orchestra pit.  Or it may be one of
  three military references:  an infantryman taking his place in the
  line of assembly; a cavalier keeping his restive horse still while
  the band starts to play; or a soldier being drummed out of his
  regiment.

  
  
  Source: [Mark Israel, 'Phrase Origins: "face the music"', The alt.usage.english FAQ file,(line 4798), (29 Sept 1997)]
  
  
  
  

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