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Music Minor

Minor

With a music minor from Bethel, you can enrich your academic journey by blending your passion for music with your primary area of study, fostering a well-rounded educational experience.

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By adding this minor, you can easily add music and performance to your main area of study for a well-balanced education. The music minor’s core courses will complement any other major, and you’ll gain fundamental skills that can apply to several careers. You’ll learn music theory and performance along with developing critical listening and analysis skills, preparing you for diverse career paths.

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Why should I study music 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, where you’ll learn from professors who get to know you personally and invest in your success. You’ll experience:

  • 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 vibrant community
    Youll learn in a dynamic music department where youll develop close relationships with your professors and classmates through lessons, practices, performances, informal gatherings, music trips, and more.

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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

Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

With a music minor, you’ll enhance your love of music and cultivate diverse skills that will support your primary area of study.

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Music theory fundamentals

Gain a strong foundation in music theory, harmony, and composition.

Principles of conducting

Learn conducting techniques, score reading, and ensemble leadership skills.

Musical analysis

Develop analytical skills to interpret and evaluate musical compositions across genres.

Presentation skills

Enhance your communication and performance abilities through solo and ensemble presentations.

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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.

See plans

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 immerse yourself in our vibrant musical community and gain hands-on experiences that shape you into a skilled and versatile musician.

A student playing the flute in a music class, concentrating on her sheet music.

Collaboration and one-on-one lessons

In private lessons, you’ll benefit from one-on-one mentorship and guidance from accomplished faculty members who are invested in your musical development. And you’ll have opportunities to collaborate on performances and research with your professors.

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.

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.

See all experiences

Real-world impact

How will this minor help my career goals?

The skills of musical proficiency, critical listening, and collaborative teamwork prepare you for diverse career paths and creative endeavors.

Enhance your major

Integrate musical expertise with your major, adding depth and versatility to your career opportunities.

Expand your skills

Develop transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and creativity, valuable in any profession.

Career versatility

Pursue careers in music performance, education, therapy, arts administration, and various interdisciplinary fields.

Express your passion

Showcase your musical talent and passion, contributing to cultural enrichment and personal fulfillment.

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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 faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible between classes, and you’ll often find fellow students gathered or studying nearby.

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 >

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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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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Catherine Victorsen

Catherine Victorsen

Private Lesson Instructor in Harp

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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

Bio >

Marshall Urban

Marshall Urban

Adjunct Instructor of Music

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Julia Heinen

Private Lesson Instructor in Clarinet

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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 >

Alumni perform in local musical theatre productions at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, the Ordway, the Guthrie, and the Minnesota Children’s Theatre Company.

Recent grads have performed with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, The Minnesota Opera, The Banff Festival Orchestra, The Aspen Festival, The Oregon Bach Festival, and the nation’s service bands.

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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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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.

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Find your fit

Explore related programs

This flexible minor will complement almost any major you choose. But here are a few examples:

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements