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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.

Performance Opportunities: Several home events like Festival of Christmas, Classics in the Great Hall, and Jazz in the Great Hall also mean you'll perform regularly in our Benson Great Hall, a premier venue in the Twin Cities metro.

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.

Academic Plans and Course Catalog

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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.

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full- and part-time faculty

Upcoming Events

NOV 30 2023

Festival of Christmas

7:30 p.m. Benson Great Hall

Bethel's 67th Festival of Christmas

DEC 1 2023

Festival of Christmas

7:30 p.m. Benson Great Hall

Bethel's 67th Festival of Christmas

DEC 2 2023

Festival of Christmas

2 p.m. Benson Great Hall

Bethel's 67th Festival of Christmas

More Events