Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Can I take individual lessons on my instrument 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.

 
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.

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 who we feel would strengthen the program. If we choose not to make a positive recommendation to Admission it does not have a negative impact.

 
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 each ensemble’s page for more information.

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. Some are more challenging and require greater commitment than others, but 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.

At what point in my college career will I be expected to declare a major?

Majors are declared in the spring of sophomore year.  Please see “The Music Major: Planning Ahead” below for further information.

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?

With in 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.