With a music education: vocal K-12 emphasis, you’ll gain the music and education skills to teach others the art of singing.
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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.
Courses and skills
What skills will I develop?
Throughout the music education: vocal K-12 program, you’ll cultivate a diverse set of skills essential for effective vocal teaching and musical performance.
Vocal pedagogy and techniques
Master the art of vocal instruction, learning techniques for vocal health, range expansion, and expressive singing across musical genres. You’ll also develop proficiency in pronouncing songs in foreign languages.
Music theory and composition
Strengthen your foundation in music theory, including notation, harmony, and more. You’ll learn composition and arranging, enabling you to create vocal arrangements and adapt musical pieces to suit vocal ensembles.
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.
Conducting
Learn conducting techniques specific to vocal ensembles, mastering gestures, and cues, to lead singers effectively.
Teaching methods and education theory
Explore methodologies for teaching vocal music at elementary and secondary levels, integrating music education theories with practical teaching strategies. You’ll also be well-versed in educational theories and pedagogical practices relevant to vocal education.
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. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. 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 in Benson Great Hall, a premier venue in the Twin Cities metro.
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. 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?
With a music education: vocal K-12 major, you'll be equipped for various roles in music education and beyond.
Teaching and education
You’ll be prepared for a career as a teacher in K-12 settings in a variety of schools, fostering students' vocal talents through innovative teaching.
Choral leadership
Direct and conduct vocal ensembles, spanning from school choirs to community and professional groups, nurturing singers to achieve artistic excellence.
Vocal instruction
Offer private vocal lessons, guiding students of varying ages and skill levels to develop their singing abilities.
Arts administration
Manage music programs, festivals, and performance venues, contributing to the cultural enrichment of communities.
Composition
Create original vocal compositions and arrangements for choirs, vocal ensembles, and soloists, adding to the musical repertoire.
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.
Merrin Guice Gill
Associate Professor of Music, Department Chair and Director of Choral Activities
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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