Department of Music and Performing Arts

Perform, pursue your musical passions, and develop your skills in a vibrant community.

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Start your journey

Experience Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you explore our welcoming community, you can attend a class, meet with students and professors, and get a taste of life in our program.

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Meaningful preparation

Program highlights

All our academic departments stand out for their excellence and innovation—and the way our professors care about their students. Learn more about what sets our department apart.

Learning opportunities


  • Private lessons. Voice and instrumental lessons are available to music and non-music majors alike.
  • National and international tours. Ensembles tour in the U.S. every year and internationally once every four years, and our mainstage productions draw thousands of audience members to campus.
  • Renowned facilities. Bethel's 1,700-seat Benson Great Hall is one of the finest concert halls in the Upper Midwest, and it attracts local and national performers.
  • Scholarship opportunities. Consider applying to the renewable music performance scholarship.

Performance opportunities


Bethel provides extensive opportunities for students of all majors to participate in both large and small music ensembles and theatre productions:

  • Bethel Choir
  • Wind Symphony
  • Chamber Orchestra
  • Jazz Orchestras (2)
  • Theatre and Musical Productions

In addition to fall and spring performances, ensembles perform together in Bethel’s annual Festival of Christmas, Jazz in the Great Hall, and Classics in the Great Hall concerts. Listen to past performances.

Faith integration


You’ll study the core concepts of music and performing arts from a Christian perspective, integrating faith into your coursework.

Mentoring


You’ll receive instruction and one-on-one mentoring from experienced faculty every day. Our professors are all supportive mentors who will come alongside you to encourage you in your musical growth. And professors are passionate, innovative teachers, as well as talented artists in their own right, and a broad range of disciplines is represented.

Internships and connections


Collaborate with renowned organizations like the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and participate in internships with churches and schools.

Excellent career placement


Nearly all of our recent music education grads who actively seek teaching positions have been placed in jobs throughout Minnesota and the nation.

Real-world impact

Career outcomes

A degree in music and performance will prepare you for a wide variety of careers—and for further education.

Skills


You’ll be equipped with a skills that include:

  • Performance mastery
  • Effective collaboration
  • Adaptability and versatility
  • Tine management
  • Leadership and direction
  • Critical analysis

Careers


You’ll be prepared to work in fields like:

  • Music education
  • Performance
  • Conducting
  • Composition
  • Music therapy

Graduate school


You can go on to study:

  • Acting
  • Music education
  • Professional performance
  • Music therapy
  • Music software developing
  • Arts administration
  • Composition and arrangement
  • Film score writing

Our Community

Alumni spotlight

Micah Lopez

Degree: Music Education: Instrumental K-12 and Applied Performance: Instrumental

At Bethel, Micah found an enriching and supportive atmosphere that nurtured his musical talents and deepened his faith journey. Surrounded by encouraging professors and a faith-centered community, he felt empowered to pursue his calling and utilize his gifts for service. Through coursework and mentorship, he honed his musical skills and discovered new abilities, such as composing and songwriting. Micah’s journey has been impacted greatly by Bethel’s commitment to fostering personal and spiritual growth, inspiring him to reach new heights and embrace his musical potential.

Recent news

Transferring into community

August 01, 2024 | 1 p.m.

Upcoming events

NOV 3 2024

Lucia Chorum and Royal Register Fall Concert - "O Day Full of Grace"

3 p.m. Benson Great Hall

Join us for a joint concert featuring choral music for SSAA and TTBB choirs.

NOV 8 2024

Jazz Orchestras Fall Concert

7:30 p.m. Benson Great Hall

Bethel's Jazz Orchestras perform in Benson Great Hall.

NOV 15 2024

2024 Performance Prize Competition Recital *Date Change*

7:30 p.m. Benson Great Hall

Student soloists perform in Bethel's Fall Music Performance Competition

Contact us

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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

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

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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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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 >

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.

Learn more

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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.

Learn more

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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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You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

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