Hello! I believe I’m quite poised to answer your question. I’m currently a member of the Williams Student Musician Association (WSMA) and part of a student band here, so I’m pretty familiar with the music program here. I can definitely say it’s been all I could’ve asked for and more.
Facilities: The music building is extensive, with something like 30 practice rooms (each with a piano), many drum sets, lockers for storing instruments, and a great performance hall. Additionally, there’s a recording studio in the library that’s excellent.
Lessons: Lessons are totally free, and they offer them in everything from traditional African drums to voice to jazz sax and everything in between. They pair you up with an instructor who is best for your skill level and you can change instructors at any time if you don’t feel like you mesh with the one that you were first given.
Jazz ensembles: There’s a jazz ensemble here! Not sure what it’s called or anything but they do things. I don’t play jazz so I don’t know anything about it, but it’s there. Other groups include AAA (All Acoustic Alliance), which is a jam group that plays great acoustic stuff, it’s a fun time.
Acapella: There are, I believe, 9 acapella groups at Williams: 3 all male, 3 all female, 2 coed, and 1 that sings only Disney showtunes and has no auditions (also coed). They perform often, get great turnouts, and are a very well-respected facet of the student body.
Faculty: This one I’m not sure on, as I’ve never taken a music theory course here. Friends of mine have, and they’ve definitely enjoyed them, though. My guess would be that it’s similar to many other departments: some great professors, many good ones, some okay ones, and maybe one or two profs that you should avoid (just like at other schools).
Overall, 10/10 on the music scene here. Would highly recommend.
Thank you so much and have a lovely day!