Williams College has an extremely dynamic and varied music program. The department presents over 100 concerts a year ranging from student recitals and ensembles to visiting artists of national and international stature. The faculty is made up of devoted teachers, serious scholars, prolific composers and active performers.

The department's mission is to educate its students in the art of musical performance, composition, and active listening as well as the skills associated with thinking and writing about music. The curriculum includes a wide variety of courses appropriate to both the major and the general student. In addition to classroom courses students are invited to participate in many ensembles including the Berkshire Symphony Orchestra, Williams Chamber Choir, Kusika, Jazz Ensemble and many others. Individual vocal and instrumental lessons are also available and the entire community benefits from the yearly concert offerings which include world music, a yearly jazz festival, orchestral and chamber music, renaissance and Baroque concerts, and residencies by visiting musical artists and scholars.

Williams College offers financial aid to all students in addition to many opportunities and awards through the Music Department itself. These include the Berkshire Symphony Student Soloist Competition, lesson subsidy for individual vocal and instrumental instruction, and a number of awards to rising and graduating seniors.