<p>My daughter M visited W&M this past weekend and fell in love with the school - W&M is now her first choice college. While she is actively involved in music outside of school, she will likely major in business; . She nonetheless would like to be able to continue to participate in a music program, whether through a minor or otherwise. M participated in an intensive four-week program at Manhattan School of Music last summer and is auditioning to attend Juilliard, MSM or Mannes pre-college for her senior year. She also participates in the NJ youth symphony.</p>
<p>While I looked at the W&M website and see that a music major is offered, I would love to hear more about W&M's music program. In particular, what type of music program does W&M offer, including for non-majors and what is the caliber of the program relative to other non-conservatory music programs? Are non-music majors eligible to study with the music faculty and participate in orchestras/wind ensembles, etc.?</p>
<p>Finally, we are from OOS and M will not qualify for financial aid. Are there any music scholarships available? If so, are they available for majors and non-majors? M is a good student; probably around top 15% of class and has a weighted GPA of approx 4.22. She is also attending the Cornell summer college program for high school students this summer.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p><a href=“Music Department Scholarships | William & Mary”>http://www.wm.edu/as/music/students/scholarships/index.php</a></p>
<p>That’s the webpage that lists W&M’s several music scholarships. They are limited to sophomore, junior, and senior students, and only one listed indicates the scholarship amount (the $1,000 Tillery Scholarship).</p>
<p>We paid for two daughters to attend W&M from OOS and would do it again. Their undergrad experiences and post-grad employment success have made the cost worthwhile. However, it is undeniably a lot of money. Many questions are answered on the school’s finaid FAQ webpage: <a href=“http://www.wm.edu/admission/financialaid/information/faqs/faqsprospectives/index.php#merit”>http://www.wm.edu/admission/financialaid/information/faqs/faqsprospectives/index.php#merit</a></p>
<p>Our music classes and ensembles are open to all students regardless of major. That goes for all of our fine arts programs. Students can register for classes and audition for ensembles/productions/etc. regardless of whether or not they are majoring or minoring in the actual department. Plus there are tons of student organizations (a cappella groups, quartets, pep band, etc.) that are musical but not associated with the department.</p>
<p>The Admission Office does not administer any scholarships specifically for music students but as @frazzled1 indicated, the department does offer some.</p>
<p>As W&M admission has stated, there are plenty of extracurricular opportunities in student organizations. But, if your daughter is looking for a large program with multiple ensembles, that is not something you will find at W&M. I’ve heard very positive reviews regarding music professors, but know it is a small program. </p>
<p>Thanks for the helpful responses. I’m glad to hear that she can still participate in the music ensembles, which she really enjoys. The school seems terrific and she loved her visit; probably well worth the money, with or without scholarships.</p>