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Applied Performance Major: Instrumental Emphasis

Bachelor of Music

With an applied performance: instrumental major, you’ll master one instrument and prepare to become a versatile musician or instructor.

Flutists rehearsing in a band room at Bethel University, with a look of concentration on their faces.
Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a B.Mus. in Applied Performance: Instrumental, you’ll hone your performance skills and study one instrument while gaining exposure to multiple instrument groups. As you learn to utilize your musical gifts, you’ll be prepared to pursue graduate studies and a career as a professional musician, teacher, and much more.

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Why should I study applied performance with an instrumental emphasis?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of Music and Performing Arts, where you’ll learn from professors who get to know you personally and invest in your success.

  • Faith-fueled learning
    You’ll learn to use your God-given musical talents to go into the world and serve with purpose, whether in performance, teaching, or composing.

  • Customized coursework
    Tailor your courses to focus on your instrument of choice while gaining insights into other instrumental groups.

  • A vibrant community
    Youll learn in a dynamic music department where youll develop close relationships with your professors and classmates through lessons, practices, performances, informal gatherings, music trips, and more.

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Musicians playing handbells during a performance, illuminated by blue stage lighting.
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Flutists rehearsing in a band room at Bethel University, with a look of concentration on their faces.

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.

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Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

Through the instrumental performance program, you’ll cultivate a robust skill set essential for a thriving career in music.

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Mastery of your instrument

Hone technical proficiency and artistic expression on your chosen instrument.

Foundational knowledge

Develop a deep understanding of music history and literature, grounding your compositions in a strong historical context.

Conducting skills

Learn the art of conducting, mastering techniques to lead various ensembles with confidence and precision.

Expand your instrumental pedagogy

Refine your teaching skills across several instrumental types, preparing you to educate the next generation of musicians.

Strong collaboration skills

Expand your collaborative and communication skills with other musicians, honing your interpersonal and production skills.

Creative problem-solving

Exercise creative problem-solving to overcome challenges in musical composition and performance settings.

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Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

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Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, study abroad, apply what you’ve learned, and gain. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.

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Numerous performance opportunities

You’ll have access to unique and prestigious performance opportunities, scholarships, competitions, and immersive experiences. And you’ll regularly perform in competitions and several Bethel events like Festival of Christmas, Classics in the Great Hall, and Jazz in the Great Hall in Bethel’s Benson Great Hall, a premier venue in the Twin Cities.

Collaborate with faculty

Receive personalized, one-on-one guidance as you hone your technical skills and collaborate on performances and research with supportive professors.

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Participation in music tours

Participate in music ensembles that travel across the United States and abroad. Previous locations have included Singapore, Malaysia, Poland, Sweden, France, and more.

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Real-world impact

What can I do with an applied performance degree?

With a degree in applied performance: instrumental, you'll be fully equipped to pursue graduate school and a variety of music-related career paths.

Music performance

Perform professionally with orchestras, ensembles, bands, or as a solo artist, covering a wide spectrum of musical genres.

Music education

Teach through private instruction, leadership roles in school music programs, or positions within colleges and universities.

Studio recording

Work as session musicians, recording music for diverse projects such as albums, films, commercials, and multimedia endeavors.

Music direction

Direct musical ensembles, orchestras, or choirs in a range of settings like churches, theaters, and community organizations.

Music administration

Manage music programs, festivals, venues, or arts organizations, overseeing both logistical and artistic aspects.

Music therapy

Utilize music as a therapeutic medium to facilitate healing, wellness, and emotional expression within clinical contexts.

Graduate school

You’ll be prepared to continue refining you musical abilities in top graduate programs.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

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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.

Department of Music and Performing Arts


Location

Clauson Center (CC) 301

Contact

Merrin Guice Gill

Merrin Guice Gill

Merrin Guice Gill

Associate Professor of Music, and Director of Choral Activities

Bio >

Trudi Anderson

Trudi Anderson

Private Lesson Instructor in Flute

Bio >

Jeff Brueske

Jeff Brueske

Private Lesson Instructor in Jazz Bass

Bio >

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Zachary Gingerich

Private Lesson Instructor in trombone

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Weily Grina-Shay

Weily Grina-Shay

Private Lesson Instructor of Music

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Emily Hagen

Emily Hagen

Private Lesson Instructor in Viola

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Angela Hanson

Angela Hanson

Private Lesson Instructor in Violin

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Mark Kausch

Mark Kausch

Private Lesson Instructor in Double Bass

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Merilee Klemp

Merilee Klemp

Private Lesson Instructor in Oboe

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Carole Mason Smith

Carole Mason Smith

Private Lesson Instructor in Music and Theatre

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Allyson Partin

Private Lesson Instructor of French Horn

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Lindsay Schlemmer

Lindsay Schlemmer

Private Lesson Instructor in Cello

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Justin Staebell

Private Lesson Instructor in Voice

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Steven Thompson

Steven Thompson

Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Activities

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Emily Urban

Emily Urban

Staff Accompanist

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Catherine Victorsen

Catherine Victorsen

Private Lesson Instructor in Harp

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Lydia Shull

Office Coordinator

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Brad Beale

Adjunct Instructor of Music

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David Crittenden

David Crittenden

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music

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Jason Harms

Jason Harms

Adjunct Instructor of Music

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Tina Park

Tina Park

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music and Private Lesson Instructor in Piano

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John Povolny

John Povolny

Adjunct Instructor of Music

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Kevin Shull

Kevin Shull

Adjunct Instructor of Music, Director of the Handbell Ensemble and Manager of Music Organizations

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Marshall Urban

Marshall Urban

Adjunct Instructor of Music

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Brent Adams

Brent Adams

Associate Professor of Theatre Arts Emeritus

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Mary Fall

Mary Fall

Associate Professor of Music Emerita

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Herbert Johnson

Herbert Johnson

Professor of Music Emeritus

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Dennis Port

Dennis Port

Professor of Music Emeritus

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Rick Rees

Rick Rees

Professor of Theatre Arts Emeritus

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Mark Rhoads

Mark Rhoads

Professor of Music Emeritus

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Jonathan Veenker

Jonathan Veenker

Associate Professor of Music Emeritus

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Meg Zauner

Meg Zauner

Associate Professor of Theatre Emerita

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100%

music education grads since 2011 are teaching

11

vocal or instrumental performance groups

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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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.

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Find your fit

Explore related programs

Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements