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Music Performance Endorsement

Endorsement

With a music performance endorsement, you'll enhance your creative abilities across disciplines, gaining marketable skills applicable to various career fields

Two actors in period costumes performing a scene on stage at Bethel University, engaged in an intense dialogue.
By adding a music performance endorsement, you'll expand your creative abilities beyond your major. This endorsement allows you to receive academic credit for your participation in private music lessons, music ensembles, musical theatre, and opera productions. As you gain marketable skills suitable for diverse career paths, you’ll explore unique opportunities to perform with high-level ensembles, work with professional artists and conductors, and prepare for community and professional productions.

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Why should I study music performance 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.

Contact us

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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?

Through your music performance endorsement, you’ll expand your love of music and cultivate diverse skills that will support your primary area of study.

Violinists performing in an orchestra at Bethel University, captured from above with sheet music lit on stands.

Musical proficiency

You’ll learn the basics of professional music and theatre performance.

Time management

You’ll gain skills in discipline, organization, and dedication in musical practices and rehearsals.

Effective communication

You’ll learn how to effectively collaborate within a team in ensemble performances and productions.

Foundation in musical values

You’ll understand production values, scheduling, and stagecraft.

Creativity

You’ll exercise empathy and creativity in interpreting and expressing musical and theatrical works.

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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.

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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.

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

Collaborative environment

The endorsement offers opportunities to perform with high-level ensembles and receive top-notch professional instruction tailored to your musical development.

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 endorsement help my career goals?

The music performance endorsement equips you with professional performance skills and experiences, enhancing your marketability in various career fields.

Performance opportunities

With four years of college music lessons and performance, you’ll increase your chances of participating in professional and community theater productions.

Teaching and mentoring

Your experience will prepare you for roles in music education and instruction, where you can inspire and guide the next generation of musicians.

Music opportunities

Explore opportunities in music production, directions, event management, and music education.

Community engagement

Contribute to cultural enrichment through local performances and outreach programs.

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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.

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

Bio >

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Zachary Gingerich

Private Lesson Instructor in trombone

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Emily Hagen

Emily Hagen

Private Lesson Instructor in Viola

Bio >

Angela Hanson

Angela Hanson

Private Lesson Instructor in Violin

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Mark Kausch

Mark Kausch

Private Lesson Instructor in Double Bass

Bio >

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

Bio >

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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

Bio >

Emily Urban

Emily Urban

Staff Accompanist

Bio >

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

Bio >

John Povolny

John Povolny

Adjunct Instructor of Music

Bio >

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

Bio >

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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

Bio >

Mark Rhoads

Mark Rhoads

Professor of Music Emeritus

Bio >

Jonathan Veenker

Jonathan Veenker

Associate Professor of Music Emeritus

Bio >

Meg Zauner

Meg Zauner

Associate Professor of Theatre Emerita

Bio >

100%

music education grads since 2011 are teaching

11

vocal or instrumental performance groups

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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