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.
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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.
Courses and skills
What skills will I develop?
Throughout the music education major with an instrumental emphasis, you’ll cultivate a versatile set of skills essential for effective music teaching and performance.
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.
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.
Learning opportunities
What experiences will I have?
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.
Real-world impact
What can I do with a music education degree?
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.
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.
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.
Kevin Shull
Adjunct Instructor of Music, Director of the Handbell Ensemble and Manager of Music Organizations
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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