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Media and Performing Arts Minor

Minor

With a media and performing arts minor, you’ll refine your performance skills and develop expertise in media production, communication, and storytelling.

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By adding a media and performing arts minor, you’ll become equipped to create compelling content, preparing you for diverse roles in live productions, media creation, and storytelling. Through classes and performance opportunities in a variety of subjects, you’ll be equipped to not only tell meaningful stories that enhance your career opportunities—especially if you plan to enter a creative field.

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Why should I study media and performing arts at Bethel?

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. You’ll experience:

  • 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.

  • 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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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.

Find your counselor

Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

Storytelling is a valued skill in almost every industry and profession today. Acquiring the skillset to produce film, audio, and even social media content will enhance your career opportunities. Through your media and performing arts minor, you’ll cultivate skills in:

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Media production

Learn video and audio production, editing, and storytelling for digital media content.

Pre-production story design

Develop scripts, storyboards, and creative concepts for media projects.

Post-production editing

Refine editing skills, sound design, and visual storytelling in post-production processes.

Acting and singing

Develop your creative skills through classes and live performance opportunities in Bethel’s vibrant community.

Technical work

Learn about stage management, lighting, sound design, and other technical elements of theatrical productions.

Creative collaboration

Collaborate with peers and faculty on creative projects, honing your teamwork and communication skills in artistic endeavors.

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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.

See plans

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 immerse yourself in our vibrant musical community and gain hands-on experiences that shape you into a skilled and versatile musician.

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Professional networking

Engage with industry professionals, attend workshops, and participate in internships to build connections and gain hands-on experience.

A Bethel University student operating a professional video camera in a media production studio.

Train in media labs

Learn to create digital media content, including videos, podcasts, social media campaigns, and more for live productions, musicals, and media pieces.

Study abroad

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

See all experiences

Real-world impact

How will this minor help my career goals?

The skills of performance, media production, and storytelling prepare you for diverse career paths in entertainment, media, and creative industries.

Media production

Work in media companies, production studios, advertising agencies, or digital content creation roles.

Performing arts

Pursue opportunities in acting, singing, stage management, and technical production for live performances.

Creative entrepreneurship

Start your own creative ventures, such as production companies, theatre groups, or media platforms.

Cross-disciplinary roles

Apply your skills in communication, storytelling, and performance across various industries, including corporate events, education, and non-profit organizations.

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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.

Schedule a visit

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 >

Steven Thompson

Steven Thompson

Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Activities

Bio >

Emily Urban

Emily Urban

Staff Accompanist

Bio >

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Lydia Shull

Office Coordinator

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Brad Beale

Adjunct Instructor of Music

Bio >

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

Bio >

John Povolny

John Povolny

Adjunct Instructor of Music

Bio >

Kevin Shull

Kevin Shull

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

Bio >

Marshall Urban

Marshall Urban

Adjunct Instructor of Music

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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Emily Hagen

Emily Hagen

Private Lesson Instructor in Viola

Bio >

Angela Hanson

Angela Hanson

Private Lesson Instructor in Violin

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Julia Heinen

Private Lesson Instructor in Clarinet

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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

Bio >

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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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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

Bio >

100%

music education grads since 2011 are teaching

11

vocal or instrumental performance groups

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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

This flexible minor will complement almost any major you choose. But here are a few examples:

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements