Students with strong performance skills are prepared for graduate studies in music composition. They become professional musicians, college and university teachers, or private studio teachers.
Why should I study composition?
Choosing an emphasis in composition means you will refine your music songwriting skills to produce beautiful works of sound. Explore compositions for single instruments, chamber groups, choirs, and orchestral works.
What can I do with this degree?
Our alumni have gone on to become professional composers, instructors, directors, and create their own signature musical groups for which they compose.
What skills will I develop?
- Advanced musical theory
- Rich knowledge of music history and literature
- Conducting
- Pedagogy in several instrumental types
- Collaboration with other musicians, production, and interpersonally
- Creative problem-solving
You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the R.E.A.L. Experience—a program specifically designed to help you gain the relevant, hands-on experience employers desire—so that when you graduate, you’ll be as impressive in practice as you are on paper.
What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?
Collaboration with Faculty: Work one-on-one with your professors to hone technical skills and collaborate on research and performances.
Musical Tours: Participate in a music group that travels across the United States and abroad. Previous locations have included Singapore, Malaysia, Poland, Sweden, France, and more.
Festival of Christmas: Multiple music groups participate in this popular, large musical festival every year. You’ll perform in Benson Great Hall, a premier performance venue with over 1,700 seats.
As a composition student, you'll also find opportunities to have your music performed by yourself or other musicians on our premier stage in the Benson Great Hall.
Students have won a national composition prize and a statewide vocal competition.
Recent grads have performed with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, The Minnesota Opera, The Banff Festival Orchestra, The Aspen Festival, The Oregon Bach Festival, and the nation’s service bands.
Recent News
Bethel Welcomes New Faculty to the College of Arts & Sciences
September 06, 2019 | 3 p.m.
'That’s Not Normal; That’s Bethel.’
July 23, 2019 | 9:35 a.m.
Upcoming Events
SEPT 20 2019
7:30 p.m. Various locations
Violinist Angela Waterman Hanson will collaborate with harpist Catherine Victorsen and pianist Herbert Johnson
OCT 25 2019
Chamber Orchestra Fall Concert
7:30 p.m. Benson Great Hall
A concert of classic orchestral literature conducted by Director of Orchestras Hannah Schendel
NOV 1 2019
Family Weekend Jazz Orchestras Fall Concert
7:30 p.m. Benson Great Hall
Jazz classics presented by the 11:12 and 5:40 Jazz Orchestras.
