Department of Music and Performing Arts
Perform, pursue your musical passions, and develop your skills in a vibrant community.
Start your journey
Experience Bethel for yourself
Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you explore our welcoming community, you can attend a class, meet with students and professors, and get a taste of life in our program.
Meaningful preparation
Program highlights
All our academic departments stand out for their excellence and innovation—and the way our professors care about their students. Learn more about what sets our department apart.
Learning opportunities
- Private lessons. Voice and instrumental lessons are available to music and non-music majors alike.
- National and international tours. Ensembles tour in the U.S. every year and internationally once every four years, and our mainstage productions draw thousands of audience members to campus.
- Renowned facilities. Bethel's 1,700-seat Benson Great Hall is one of the finest concert halls in the Upper Midwest, and it attracts local and national performers.
- Scholarship opportunities. Consider applying to the renewable music performance scholarship.
Performance opportunities
Bethel provides extensive opportunities for students of all majors to participate in both large and small music ensembles and theatre productions:
- Bethel Choir
- Wind Symphony
- Chamber Orchestra
- Jazz Orchestras (2)
- Theatre and Musical Productions
In addition to fall and spring performances, ensembles perform together in Bethel’s annual Festival of Christmas, Jazz in the Great Hall, and Classics in the Great Hall concerts. Listen to past performances.
Faith integration
You’ll study the core concepts of music and performing arts from a Christian perspective, integrating faith into your coursework.
Mentoring
You’ll receive instruction and one-on-one mentoring from experienced faculty every day. Our professors are all supportive mentors who will come alongside you to encourage you in your musical growth. And professors are passionate, innovative teachers, as well as talented artists in their own right, and a broad range of disciplines is represented.
Internships and connections
Collaborate with renowned organizations like the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and participate in internships with churches and schools.
Excellent career placement
Nearly all of our recent music education grads who actively seek teaching positions have been placed in jobs throughout Minnesota and the nation.
Real-world impact
Career outcomes
A degree in music and performance will prepare you for a wide variety of careers—and for further education.
Skills
You’ll be equipped with a skills that include:
- Performance mastery
- Effective collaboration
- Adaptability and versatility
- Tine management
- Leadership and direction
- Critical analysis
Careers
You’ll be prepared to work in fields like:
- Music education
- Performance
- Conducting
- Composition
- Music therapy
Graduate school
You can go on to study:
- Acting
- Music education
- Professional performance
- Music therapy
- Music software developing
- Arts administration
- Composition and arrangement
- Film score writing
Our Community
Alumni spotlight
Micah Lopez
Degree: Music Education: Instrumental K-12 and Applied Performance: Instrumental
At Bethel, Micah found an enriching and supportive atmosphere that nurtured his musical talents and deepened his faith journey. Surrounded by encouraging professors and a faith-centered community, he felt empowered to pursue his calling and utilize his gifts for service. Through coursework and mentorship, he honed his musical skills and discovered new abilities, such as composing and songwriting. Micah’s journey has been impacted greatly by Bethel’s commitment to fostering personal and spiritual growth, inspiring him to reach new heights and embrace his musical potential.
Recent news
Transferring into community
August 01, 2024 | 1 p.m.
Upcoming events
OCT 18 2024
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
7:30 p.m. Black Box Theatre
Bethel's Fall theatre production in the Black Box Theatre
OCT 18 2024
7:30 p.m. Benson Great Hall
The Bethel Wind Symphony performs in Benson Great Hall.
OCT 19 2024
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
2:30 p.m. Black Box Theatre
Bethel's Fall theatre production in the Black Box Theatre
Contact us
Request info
Interested in learning more about Bethel's music and performing arts department? Fill out this simple form and we'll send you more information soon.
Connect with a counselor
They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.
Faculty mentors
Meet your professors
You’ll learn alongside supportive professors who are there for you as helpful resources. You’ll receive their guidance for graduate auditions, job applications, leadership roles, and assistant positions.
Merrin Guice Gill
Associate Professor of Music, Department Chair and Director of Choral Activities
Kevin Shull
Adjunct Instructor of Music, Director of the Handbell Ensemble and Manager of Music Organizations
Student Support
Your support team
At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.
Career coaching and preparation
A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.
Academic advising
No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.
Tutoring and academic support
The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.
Faith formation
As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.
Accessible education
Tuition and financial aid
College is an investment in your future. That’s why we strive to make your education attainable and provide you with clear and accurate information as you consider your next steps. The net price calculator is a great place to start.
Become A Bethel Student
Apply now
You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.