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Applied Performance Major: Instrumental Emphasis

Bachelor of Music

With an applied performance: instrumental major, you’ll master one instrument and prepare to become a versatile musician or instructor.

Flutists rehearsing in a band room at Bethel University, with a look of concentration on their faces.

Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a B.Mus. in Applied Performance: Instrumental, you’ll hone your performance skills and study one instrument while gaining exposure to multiple instrument groups. As you learn to utilize your musical gifts, you’ll be prepared to pursue graduate studies and a career as a professional musician, teacher, and much more.

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☰ In This Section

Why should I study applied performance with an instrumental emphasis?

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.
Customized coursework
Tailor your courses to focus on your instrument of choice while gaining insights into other instrumental groups.
A vibrant community
You’ll learn in a dynamic music department where you’ll 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.

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

What skills will I develop?

Through the instrumental performance program, you’ll cultivate a robust skill set essential for a thriving career in music.

Large band rehearsal at Bethel University, with a conductor leading a group of diverse musicians.

Mastery of your instrument

Hone technical proficiency and artistic expression on your chosen instrument.

Foundational knowledge

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

Conducting skills

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

Expand your instrumental pedagogy

Refine your teaching skills across several instrumental types, preparing you to educate the next generation of musicians.

Strong collaboration skills

Expand your collaborative and communication skills with other musicians, honing your interpersonal and production skills.

Creative problem-solving

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

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

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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Numerous performance opportunities

You’ll have access to unique and prestigious performance opportunities, scholarships, competitions, and immersive experiences. And you’ll regularly perform in competitions and several Bethel events like Festival of Christmas, Classics in the Great Hall, and Jazz in the Great Hall in Bethel’s Benson Great Hall, a premier venue in the Twin Cities.

Collaborate with faculty

Receive personalized, one-on-one guidance as you hone your technical skills and collaborate on performances and research with supportive professors.

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: instrumental, you'll be fully equipped to pursue graduate school and a variety of music-related career paths.

Music performance

Perform professionally with orchestras, ensembles, bands, or as a solo artist, covering a wide spectrum of musical genres.

Music education

Teach through private instruction, leadership roles in school music programs, or positions within colleges and universities.

Studio recording

Work as session musicians, recording music for diverse projects such as albums, films, commercials, and multimedia endeavors.

Music direction

Direct musical ensembles, orchestras, or choirs in a range of settings like churches, theaters, and community organizations.

Music administration

Manage music programs, festivals, venues, or arts organizations, overseeing both logistical and artistic aspects.

Music therapy

Utilize music as a therapeutic medium to facilitate healing, wellness, and emotional expression within clinical contexts.

Graduate school

You’ll be prepared to continue refining you musical abilities in top graduate programs.

Students conversing on Lake Valentine dock

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.

Schedule a visit

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

Associate Professor of Music, and Director of Choral Activities