Music (BA in Music)

Music Program

The Department of Music is committed to teaching the discipline of music through its interrelated subdisciplines (music theory, musicology, ethnomusicology, music technology, performance, and composition) in the context of a liberal arts curriculum. The Department of Music strives to create a learning environment that encourages the intellectual and personal development of student and teacher alike; we do so by integrating the transmission of knowledge with original research, composition, and performance. The department’s course offerings represent a standing commitment to the study of diverse musical styles and the musics of many cultures. At the same time, we also recognize the vital importance of teaching the traditions that have historically informed the practice of music in the United States and Europe.

Ensembles

All music ensembles may be repeated for credit. Although students may take as many credits as they wish of ensemble courses, a maximum of 14 credits may be applied toward the 120 credits required for a degree by those not majoring in Music.

William & Mary Performance Ensembles each earn 1 academic credit per semester and are open to all students regardless of major.  Choral auditions are held during Orientation and Instrumental auditions are held the first week of classes.  For more information; go to:  https://www.wm.edu/as/music/ensembles/index.php

Music Lessons

Students may register for 1 or 2 credits of individual instruction in music. Credits for lessons may be earned at any of four levels (10-, 20-, 30-, or 40-). There is a fee for applied music lessons, including group lessons. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the fee is $453 per credit hour. Music lesson fees are non-refundable after the add/drop period.  All music lessons except musicianship (M10-40) satisfy the Arts Proficiency requirement, so long as at least 2 credits of instruction are in a single performance area (that is, lessons in voice or in one particular instrument, and also in one vocal or instrumental style if the department offers more than one category). Students cannot satisfy the Arts Proficiency requirement, for example, by taking one credit each of beginning oboe and beginning guitar, or one credit each of jazz piano and classical piano. Although students may take as many credits of applied music lessons as they wish, a maximum of 14 credits may be applied toward the 120 credits required for a degree by those not majoring in Music.

Required Credit Hours: 37

Course Requirements

Core Requirements

  • 16 credits in core requirements: MUSC 201 Tonal Theory I (4), MUSC 213 History of Western Music (4),  MUSC 241 Worlds of Music (4), and MUSC 345 Seminar in Music Research (4).
  • 4 credits of performance:  The 4 music performance credits will consist of 2 credits in a single department ensemble; the remaining 2 credits may be fulfilled either in a single department ensemble (not necessarily the same ensemble that fulfilled the ensemble requirement), or through lessons in a single performance area (that is, lessons in single vocal or instrumental style).
  • 16 credits of elective courses: At least 2 academic elective courses 300-level or above are required.  A maximum of 4 additional credits of lessons or ensembles in any combination may be applied to the elective requirements.
  •  1 credit as the senior project: Majors in Music will also complete MUSC 491 Senior Project, which is designed in conjunction with a project advisor. The project advisor need not be the same as the major advisor. The senior project consists of a supervised independent study that may culminate in either a recital or a lecture-recital of approximately an hour in length, or in a substantive research paper exhibiting scholarly engagement with an original topic (e.g., a paper, a composition, etc.). During the semester in which a major undertakes the Senior Project, she or he is required to enroll in MUSC 491 Senior Project for one credit. Students satisfying the Senior Project requirement with a recital must receive permission by audition; during the semester of the recital, they must register both for MUSC 491 Senior Project and performance instruction. Students completing Honors in Music will satisfy the Senior Project requirement with MUSC 495 Honors-MUSC 496 Honors.

MUSC 101 Intro Tonal Theory may not be used towards the major. No more than 12 credits toward the major may be transferred from elsewhere. Potential music majors are strongly encouraged to take MUSC 201 Tonal Theory I, MUSC 213 History of Western Music, MUSC 241 Worlds of Music as early as possible, and to take MUSC 345 Seminar in Music Research by their junior year.

Major Computing Requirement

The Major Computing Proficiency Requirement is fulfilled by earning a C- or better in MUSC 345 Seminar in Music Research.

Major Writing Requirements

The Major Writing Requirement is fulfilled by earning a C- or better in MUSC 345 Seminar in Music Research.

All music majors must complete and submit a Senior Project Form that is signed by the project advisor/s. For seniors graduating in December, the form must be filed by one week after the fall semester drop/add deadline; for May graduates, the form must be submitted by the Friday after fall break. These forms are available in the Department of Music office and on the Department of Music webpage (http://www.wm.edu/music).