Bethel University brass band performing on stage, with trumpet players in focus.

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
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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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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 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

Associate Professor of Music, and Director of Choral Activities

Undergrad