About the Program
Students explore music through its interrelated subdisciplines — music theory, composition, musicology, ethnomusicology, music technology and performance — in the context of a liberal arts curriculum. Music faculty strive to create a learning environment that encourages the intellectual and personal development of students and teachers alike by integrating the transmission of knowledge with original research, composition and performance. The program values the contributions of all musical cultures and styles, and in any given semester, offers courses that reflect this diversity. Music offers an exceptionally wide variety of academic courses and performing ensembles as well as private instruction in voice and all instruments from piano to mandolin to viola da gamba.
Paths of Study
Music By Numbers
Each semester:
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25 %of the W&M student body are engaged with the Music Department
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400+students take academic music classes
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300+students perform in ensembles
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700+students take applied lessons
What Makes Us Different
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International Performances
The W&M Choir, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Middle Eastern Music Ensemble have performed in South Africa, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, the United Kingdom, Oman, France and the Czech Republic, among other countries.
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Impressive Collection
The Music Department's instrument collection includes an 1816 Broadwood pianoforte, a Javanese Gamelan and a 3-manual, 24 rank pipe organ (Peragallo Opus 652).
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Conference Presentations
Music students have presented papers at various conferences including the Mid-Atlantic Chapter for the Society of Ethnomusicology, the College Music Society Mid-Atlantic Chapter and the Society for Music Theory.
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Arts Quarter
Fall 2023 saw the opening of the new Arts Quarter with an expanded Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall and the new Music Arts Center.
Applied Learning
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Courses
Study Big Ideas in Music (MUSC 100), Worlds of Music (MUSC 241), Topics in Ethnomusicology (MUSC 367) and The Romantic Period (MUSC 385).*
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Research
Learn from our diverse faculty of composer/theorists, ethnomusicologists, musicologists and conductors as well as 30+ applied music instructors.
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Applied Music
Develop a unique lesson plan that matches your skill level. Take part in group lessons (piano and guitar) or individual lessons on instruments including the trumpet, harp, mandolin and oboe.
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Ensembles
Join or listen to a variety of performing ensembles including the W&M Choir, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Brazilian Ensemble, Appalachian Music Ensemble and many more.
Hear from a Student
“Being a music major brings a lot of light into my day-to-day life. As a double major in an academically and emotionally heavy subject, I especially treasure the time I get to spend doing what I love. The entire music department faculty is incredibly welcoming, displaying a wide range of specialties from ethnomusicology to choral conducting — perfect for a pool of music students with a myriad of interests" — Natasha Haines '27, music and international relations double major from Fredericksburg, Virginia
Outcomes
Music graduates have gone on to pursue graduate degree programs in conducting, musicology, ethnomusicology and composition. Alumni have had successful careers in performance, music therapy, arts management, music education, recording engineering and higher education. Several have attended law school or medical school. Many students are double majors who pursue music informally or as a second career after leaving W&M.
Talk to Us
Want to learn more? Our current students and faculty want to connect with you.
Department of Music
Contact Us
- Get an inside look: Contact a current music major
- Ask the faculty: Contact the Department of Music
Courses Disclaimer
*Courses listed are examples. Course availability changes each semester.
