Saxophone section performing in concert at Bethel University, musicians focused and immersed in their music.

Music Education Major: Instrumental Emphasis

Bachelor of Music

With a music education: instrumental K-12 degree, you’ll blend your passion for music and teaching to help youth grow in their appreciation of music and develop into skilled instrumentalists.

Choir of male students singing in blue robes at Bethel University, harmonizing under dramatic lighting.

Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a music education: instrumental K-12 degree, you’ll receive rigorous training in teaching methods, music theory, composition and more. You’ll be equipped to inspire the next generation of musicians across various educational settings as a teacher and in various roles.

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Why should I study music education with an instrumental K-12 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 and the Department of Education, where you’ll learn from professors who get to know you personally and invest in your success.

Built-in career preparation
From your first day at Bethel, career preparation is woven into your experience through The Studio for Vocation and Calling. And it’s reinforced by the Bethel Career Commitment: If you haven’t secured a job offer or graduate school acceptance within six months of graduation, we’ll step in with meaningful support to help you get there.

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 respected education program
You’ll study education in a department known and respected around the region and beyond for its strong teacher preparation. In fact, many area principals look to hire recent Bethel graduates, and many students secure a full-time job before graduation.
Collaborative work
Work closely with experienced faculty members, receiving personalized mentorship and guidance in both musical and educational aspects.

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Musicians playing handbells during a performance, illuminated by blue stage lighting.

A Bethel student in a music rehearsal room, holding a conductor's baton with a focused expression.

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

Throughout the music education major with an instrumental emphasis, you’ll cultivate a versatile set of skills essential for effective music teaching and performance.

Close-up of violinists playing passionately on stage at Bethel University, with the conductor in the background.

Musical performance proficiency

Enhance your musical performance skills through rigorous training, excelling as both as performer and music educator.

A strong base in education and training methods

You’ll learn teaching methods, curriculum design, the ability to instruct small and large groups, and the means to measure and evaluate your techniques

Expertise in teaching instruments

Master the intricacies of teaching a wide variety of instruments, including brass, percussion, and woodwind instruments. And you’ll gain insight into developing curriculum tailored for music education.

Music theory and composition

Strengthen your foundation in music theory to analyze, interpret, and teach musical compositions. And learn how to compose and arrange, enabling you to create original music pieces and adapt existing compositions for various instrumental settings.

Conducting

Learn conducting techniques to effectively lead musical ensembles.

Students having a discussion in the Brushaber commons

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

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. In the music education: instrumental K-12 program, you'll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience to prepare for a successful career in music education. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.

Student teaching and classroom experience

From your first day on campus, you’ll have numerous classroom experiences in a range of diverse settings in our partner schools. And you’ll spend a semester student teaching full time in a local classroom. And we have many partnerships with area schools that will help you find the best fit that suits your goals.

Performance opportunities

Regularly perform in several home events like Festival of Christmas, Classics in the Great Hall, and Jazz in the Great Hall. You’ll perform regularly in our Benson Great Hall, a premier venue in the Twin Cities metro.

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. And you can study music and education during trips abroad over a full semester, January, and summer.

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Real-world impact

Upon completing the music education major with an instrumental emphasis, you'll be equipped for various roles in music education and beyond.

Teaching

Inspire students and cultivate their musical passion while teaching fundamental skills in singing and instrumentals within classroom settings.

Directing

Lead and guide instrumental ensembles such as bands or orchestras, fostering individual growth and collective excellence among musicians.

Private lesson instructor

Provide personalized instruction to students, helping them refine their musical abilities through one-on-one sessions.

Arts administration

Manage music programs, organizations, or venues, promoting music appreciation and cultural engagement within the broader community.

Composition and arrangement

Craft original musical compositions or adapt existing pieces for instrumental ensembles, contributing creatively to the musical landscape.

Graduate school

Your degree prepares you for further education in music education or related fields, empowering you for leadership roles and ongoing professional growth.

Students conversing on Lake Valentine dock

Start your journey

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

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success.

Department of Education

Location

Lakeside Center (LSC) C200

Contact

Jill Martin

Brian Beecken

Professor of Physics and Engineering