Frequently Asked Questions
Please find the answers to all your common questions below. For your convenience we've organized the questions into specific groups to help you locate what you need. You may also use the search box above to look for specific words or phrases.
Concerts and Events
How do I find out about concerts?
Visit our calendar of events, Call the concert line at 413.597.2425, Subscribe to the e-newsletter, and/or join the Facebook Fan Page.
How do I sign up for the mailing list?
Contact the Concert/Event Manager with your mailing information.
How much are concerts?
FREE with general admission! The house opens ½ hour before the performance.
How do I sign up to play in MIDWEEK or Artsbreak?
Download the MIDWEEKMUSIC or Artsbreak sign up sheets and follow the directions.
How do I set up a recital?
Download the recital sign up sheet and follow the directions.
Who do I contact about bringing a Visiting Artist to Williams?
Visiting Artists are always sponsored by a member of the faculty and are chosen specifically to complement our course offerings and enhance the educational experience of our students.
- Piano: Doris Stevenson
- Violin: Joanna Kurkowicz
- Viola: Scott Woolweaver
- Early Music: Jennifer Bloxam
- Opera/World Music: W. Anthony Sheppard
- String Quartets: Ronald Feldman
- New Music: David Kechley, Ileana Perez-Velazquez, Steven Bodner
- Jazz: Andy Jaffe
- Choral: Brad Wells
Anything else, check the faculty page and find a full list of our outstanding faculty members.
How do I sign up for the e-newsletter?
Facilities & Equipment
How do I book space in Chapin Hall or any room in Bernhard Music Center?
Contact Michelle PIcard (597-2127) with your request. You can check the calendar ahead of time by going to Facilities and clicking on the room you want to book.
Who do I contact regarding audio in Chapin or Brooks-Rogers?
Contact Bruce Wheat (597-3073)or all audio questions for both venues.
What is the capacity of Chapin and Brooks-Rogers?
Brooks-Rogers seats 279 with room for 10 more to stand.
Chapin Hall seats 1060 when the extension is not on the stage. During the school year, the extension remains on and it seats 964. This includes the balcony and the side benches.
Do I receive any support when having an event/lecture in Chapin or Brooks-Rogers?
The music department does not provide support for outside events however there is custodian coverage. Contact Pete Mason for more information.
Can I borrow equipment from the music department?
The department does not loan equipment.
What are the hours of operation?
The main music office is open from 8:30am – 4:30pm. The building is open from 7:00am – 1:00am.
What are the hours that I can come in to practice?
You can come in to practice at any time that the building is open.
How do I book a practice room?
Practice rooms are unlocked and on a first come, first served basis. There are 25 practice rooms and each one holds a piano. If you want to rehearse in Brooks-Rogers, Chapin Hall, or any of the other rooms listed under Facilities, you need to reserve the space with Michelle Picard (597-2127).
General
What distinguishes the Williams music program from that of other liberal arts colleges?
Williams is one of the top-rated colleges in the country largely due to the excellence of its academic program. This includes the sciences, social sciences and humanities, and the arts are no exception. The Music program aspires to the same level of excellence as any program at the College. Historically some small colleges see music as a service department providing entertainment to students while they pursue the “true academic mission.” We believe music is part of that mission and although it is not a total immersion program as a conservatory would be, the level of our performances and courses often meets and exceeds the level of those institutions.
How does the Williams music program compare to the top music schools and conservatories?
Within the context of a rigorous academic program, we offer more opportunities to serious student musicians than almost all of our peer institutions in addition to a significantly higher level of academic preparation than most conservatories or music schools can. The decision to attend a music school or liberal arts college is an important one with factors that are different for every individual. It is a topic we often discuss with prospective students when they visit.
What is required of a Music Major?
Do I need to be a Music Major to participate in the ensembles at Williams?
No. Williams performing ensembles and all other opportunities are open to all qualified students regardless of major.
How do I learn about the various ensembles?
Click here for detailed information on each departmental ensemble.
Will I have to audition to play in the Williams ensembles?
Most of the Williams ensembles require an audition, some more formal than others. See the ensemble page for more information.
Can I take individual music lessons as part of my studies at Williams and if so is there an extra charge for this?
Yes. Individual instruction in instruments and voice is available to all qualified students as Music 251-258 and Music 325/26,427/28. As this is one-on-one teaching there is an extra fee assessed for these courses. However, the Music Department does subsidize part of the cost in an attempt to keep the cost to the students as low as possible. There are partial credit and full credit lessons. Click here to view the course options.
How do I sign up for lessons?
Can I minor in music?
No. At Williams there are no minors in any discipline. However, many students double major in music in combination with majors in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and even other arts disciplines.
At what point in my college career will I be expected to declare a major?
Majors are declared in the spring of sophomore year.
How do I sign up to participate in the Berkshire Symphony Soloist Competition?
The forms are updated in the fall mid-semester.
How do I donate money to the department?
If you wish to become a donor, contributions may be mailed to Music Ensembles Fund, Attn. Michelle Picard, 54 Chapin Hall Drive, Williamstown, MA 01267. Please let us know how you would like your name listed in our website, brochures, and e-newsletters.
Prospective Students
What are the admission requirements?
How do I set up a visit to the music department?
What opportunities are there at Williams for a serious performing musician?
Our ensembles are open to all students regardless of major, and there is a great variety of them. While some are more challenging and require greater commitment than others, in all cases the goal is the pursuit of artistic challenges and the achievement of musical goals through public performance. In addition to the departmental and student lead groups there are also opportunities for solo performance, chamber music, jazz combos, etc. See the Ensemble section of the web page for more information.
Should I submit an Arts Supplement even though I do not plan to major in music?
Yes. All serious music students who wish to continue their musical pursuits while at Williams should submit an Arts Supplement. We receive about 500 of these each year and review each of them carefully. Although we do not make admissions decisions we can and do advocate for those students whom we feel would strengthen the program. If we choose not to make a recommendation to Admission it does not have a negative impact.
