<p>At the information session I attended several weeks ago, one of the admissions officers said something along the lines of musicians being recruited at Williams. When I got home from my trip, I immediately searched online and found nothing of the sort and asked my piano teacher who used to be affiliated with Williams and she didn't know anything about it. I'm just wondering, is the a music "recruitment" policy at Williams any more involved than the general music supplement? Should I be contacting specific teachers? (I'm a prospective double major... but I'm not 100% sure. I'd definately be involved with the music program though.)</p>
<p>No, it's not more involved, but they are serious in their commitment to attract musicians. Look on the Music Department website for admissions information. This was the beginning of my son's journey to Williams, and he has just very contentedly completed his frosh year.</p>
<p>This is how the music department explains admissions.
Special</a> Admission Information | Williams College Music</p>
<p>I read this to indicate that they welcome contact before the application and supplement, so you may be able to get some idea before you apply of what they're looking for. When my D was applying 2+ years ago, the website indicated some specific instruments that they were particularly interested in, but I don't see any mention of that on the website now.</p>
<p>nceph: I think that's because they always want string players, pianists for chamber, etc, etc, so listing the specific instruments was discouraging to students who didn't fall into those categories.</p>
<p>The music department is serious about all its performing groups and is looking for "staffers" for all of them. Composition is also welcomed.</p>
<p>We wandered into the music building one day and S ran into an adjunct piano instructor who explained that he music department was in the process of changing from a theory based department into a performance based department.</p>
<p>S did have a meeting with the acting chair and several emails back and forth with the chair. </p>
<p>I don't know how much this influenced his admission, but I am sure it didn't hurt.</p>
<p>And even readers who are "recreational" musicians (i.e., not thinking of taking music classes), attracted by the topic heading, there are lots of non-academic opportunities on campus, from singing groups to the Mucho Macho Marching Moocow (scramble) Band. They are worth looking into, and add richness, fun, and community to a lot of students' Williams careers.</p>
<p>Does anyone remember which instruments are recruited more heavily than others?</p>
<p>And what level of playing is required for recruiting by the department? IE: 1/2/3rd at state, or is a qualification for all-state sufficient?</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses, guys. I've actually seen all those pages before, but just didn't know if there was some "unsaid" things about contacting professors. From what I see here, most people just submit the supplement but some may contact professors? Would contacting professors be advantageous? What would one say in an email? I've already visited (and it's a 4 hour drive), but would visiting again and talking / playing for a professor help?</p>
<p>Follow your instincts and follow your heart. S made 3 or 4 pre-visits, also a 4 hour drive, because he couldn't stay away. One of those visits was with music dept. faculty.</p>
<p>I’m also applying to williams ED and was wondering how I should approach contacting the music faculty. I play percussion/drumset and have experience with all sorts of types of ensembles (doing NYSSMA All-State Symphonic Band) so there are a lot of ways I could contribute. To my luck, 3 of their drum set players are graduating 2013, which is the year I become a freshman. Not exactly sure who to contact there are a lot of staff and faculty emails there. Any help and tips with arranging meetings with the faculty/ playing for them would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>Why not contact Matthew Gold, director of the Percussion Ensemble? His email address is listed on the Music Department’s website. The Department Chair also offers to answer any questions a perspective student might have. It’s a pretty friendly website - check it out!</p>
<p>You should absolutely contact both the department chair and the director of the ensemble in which you would like to participate. I am sure both would be happy to speak to you. You can also request a trial lesson, which is not officially an audition but which can probably function as such. My daughter, a singer (class of 2016), had a trial voice lesson with a faculty member who gave her very positive feedback and I’m sure that influenced the admissions decision. She was also NYSSMA All-State; I think that counted for a lot (she was accepted ED). Congrats on making NYSSMA All-State, and good luck!</p>
<p>I read the document on Special Admission, but is there an expectation that you would major in music? That was unclear. If you are a talented musician, and would like to play in ensembles, orchestra, etc., but plan to major in something else, is it still an advantage to submit music arts supplement?</p>
<p>Yes, a music supplement is absolutely helpful! There are very few music majors graduating each year (maybe six to eight, and bear in mind that most students double major). The school needs and wants talented musicians to fill its ensembles, no matter what they major in. Music can be just as much of a “hook” as athletics.</p>
<p>Hey could you elaborate on your daughter’s visit? How did the process work? I’ll be going up there soon for a trial lesson!</p>
<p>I wouldn’t say that most students double-major. I would say that many students double-major.</p>
<p>One doesn’t have to be all-state to find a place in a Williams ensemble. It’s not a conservatory. The most competitive group is the Berkshire Symphony, which is semi-professional and very selective and very strict. If a player isn’t up to those standards, there is also the looser student run symphony. The wind and percussion groups are all students as are the voice ensembles. My S was in both the student symphony and the chorus and had a blast in both. The Berkshire was too much work for him and too exacting. For a would be professional performer, it is a wonderful resource to play with professional musicians.</p>
<p>I meant that most of the music students my daughter has met so far have a double major in music and something else, not that most Williams students double major. And, yes, of course one does not have to be All-State caliber to find a place to perform at Williams. But if you are All-State in music I think it helps your chances for admission in the same way that being All-State in a sport would. And although the trial lesson is not an audition, if the teacher is impressed with you he/she can contact admissions on your behalf, in the same way an athletic coach would.<br>
While you are up there, Colleger96, in addition to your trial lesson, you should definitely try to meet with the director of the ensemble you are interested in, as well as the department chair. All their e-mails are on the Williams website. If there are any concerts going on while you are there take them in as well. (There’s also a music dept calendar on the website.) My daughter found everyone to be extremely helpful and supportive. Good luck to you!</p>