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Applied Performance Major: Vocal Emphasis

Bachelor of Music

With a degree in applied performance: vocal, you’ll become equipped with the technical vocal knowledge and skills to prepare for a thriving career as a professional musician or educator.

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Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a B.Mus. in Applied Performance: Vocal, you’ll learn and practice various vocal styles and gain rich knowledge of advanced music theory and vocal repertoire. You’ll be prepared to pursue graduate studies in music, and you’ll be ready you for a successful career in teaching or performing.

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Why should I study applied performance with a vocal emphasis 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.

  • 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.

  • Rich musical education
    You'll become equipped with a well-rounded musical education in advanced vocal performance, conducting, pedagogy, and more.

  • 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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A student passionately singing on stage during a performance.
Two students performing a duet on stage with a pianist accompanying them.

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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.

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Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

By majoring in applied performance: vocal, you’ll develop the skills for a successful musical career. You’ll work with other amazing musicians as you refine your musical skills to prepare for your career.

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Advanced vocal performance skills

You’ll develop mastery across diverse vocal styles, honing techniques for classical, contemporary, and experimental genres.

Vocal pedagogy

Acquire skills in vocal instruction, conducting, and teaching methods, preparing you to mentor and guide aspiring vocalists.

Foundational knowledge

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

Strong collaboration

You’ll collaborate with others in vocal performances including opera scenes and musical theater productions.

Creative problem-solving

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

Conducting skills

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

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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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Performance opportunities

You’ll perform regularly in our Benson Great Hall, a premier venue in the Twin Cities metro. And our annual Concerto-Aria performance competition recital gives you the spotlight to perform your gift for others and win monetary prizes.

Collaboration and mentorship

In private lessons, you’ll benefit from one-on-one mentorship and guidance from accomplished faculty members who are invested in your musical development.

A student playing the flute in a music class, concentrating on her sheet music.

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: vocal from Bethel, you’ll be equipped for a variety of rewarding career paths, including:

Professional vocalist

Pursue roles as a solo artist, ensemble member, or accompanist across diverse musical environments.

Music education

Guide aspiring musicians through private voice instruction, leadership in school music programs, or teaching roles at colleges/universities.

Studio instruction

Establish a thriving voice studio, offering personalized lessons and coaching services.

Collaborative musician

Collaborate with vocalists, instrumentalists, dancers, and actors in live performances and studio recordings.

Music direction

Lead musical ensembles in various settings such as churches, theaters, and community organizations.

Composition

Craft original compositions, arrangements, and musical scores for a variety of projects and purposes.

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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 faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible between classes, and you’ll often find fellow students gathered or studying nearby.

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

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Trudi Anderson

Trudi Anderson

Private Lesson Instructor in Flute

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Jeff Brueske

Jeff Brueske

Private Lesson Instructor in Jazz Bass

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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

Bio >

Alumni perform in local musical theatre productions at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, the Ordway, the Guthrie, and the Minnesota Children’s Theatre Company.

100%

music education grads since 2011 are teaching

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