${headerImage__alt}

Applied Performance Major: Vocal Emphasis

Bachelor of Music

With a degree in applied performance: vocal, you’ll become equipped with the technical vocal knowledge and skills to prepare for a thriving career as a professional musician or educator.

A student singing from sheet music in a classroom, showcasing talent.
Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a B.Mus. in Applied Performance: Vocal, you’ll learn and practice various vocal styles and gain rich knowledge of advanced music theory and vocal repertoire. You’ll be prepared to pursue graduate studies in music, and you’ll be ready you for a successful career in teaching or performing.

Apply now Request info Visit campus

Why should I study applied performance with a vocal emphasis 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.

  • 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.

  • Rich musical education
    You'll become equipped with a well-rounded musical education in advanced vocal performance, conducting, pedagogy, and more.

  • 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.

Woman in a white dress speaking passionately on stage with colorful lights in the background.
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.

Contact us

Request info

Interested in learning more about Bethel's applied performance: vocal major? Fill out this simple form and we'll send you more information soon.

Hey! Looks like the form didn't load. If it doesn't load after a second or two, please refresh the page and you should see it. If that doesn't work, please let us know.
A student singing from sheet music in a classroom, showcasing talent.

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?

By majoring in applied performance: vocal, you’ll develop the skills for a successful musical career. You’ll work with other amazing musicians as you refine your musical skills to prepare for your career.

A choir of students singing in unison during a beautifully lit concert.

Advanced vocal performance skills

You’ll develop mastery across diverse vocal styles, honing techniques for classical, contemporary, and experimental genres.

Vocal pedagogy

Acquire skills in vocal instruction, conducting, and teaching methods, preparing you to mentor and guide aspiring vocalists.

Foundational knowledge

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

Strong collaboration

You’ll collaborate with others in vocal performances including opera scenes and musical theater productions.

Creative problem-solving

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

Conducting skills

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

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 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.

${experienceImage__alt}

Performance opportunities

You’ll perform regularly in our Benson Great Hall, a premier venue in the Twin Cities metro. And our annual Concerto-Aria performance competition recital gives you the spotlight to perform your gift for others and win monetary prizes.

Collaboration and mentorship

In private lessons, you’ll benefit from one-on-one mentorship and guidance from accomplished faculty members who are invested in your musical development.

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.

See all experiences

Real-world impact

What can I do with an applied performance degree?

With a degree in applied performance: vocal from Bethel, you’ll be equipped for a variety of rewarding career paths, including:

Professional vocalist

Pursue roles as a solo artist, ensemble member, or accompanist across diverse musical environments.

Music education

Guide aspiring musicians through private voice instruction, leadership in school music programs, or teaching roles at colleges/universities.

Studio instruction

Establish a thriving voice studio, offering personalized lessons and coaching services.

Collaborative musician

Collaborate with vocalists, instrumentalists, dancers, and actors in live performances and studio recordings.

Music direction

Lead musical ensembles in various settings such as churches, theaters, and community organizations.

Composition

Craft original compositions, arrangements, and musical scores for a variety of projects and purposes.

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

Merrin Guice Gill

Merrin Guice Gill

Associate Professor of Music, and Director of Choral Activities

Bio >

Trudi Anderson

Trudi Anderson

Private Lesson Instructor in Flute

Bio >

Jeff Brueske

Jeff Brueske

Private Lesson Instructor in Jazz Bass

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

Zachary Gingerich

Private Lesson Instructor in trombone

Bio >

Weily Grina-Shay

Weily Grina-Shay

Private Lesson Instructor of Music

Bio >

Emily Hagen

Emily Hagen

Private Lesson Instructor in Viola

Bio >

Angela Hanson

Angela Hanson

Private Lesson Instructor in Violin

Bio >

Mark Kausch

Mark Kausch

Private Lesson Instructor in Double Bass

Bio >

Merilee Klemp

Merilee Klemp

Private Lesson Instructor in Oboe

Bio >

Carole Mason Smith

Carole Mason Smith

Private Lesson Instructor in Music and Theatre

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

Allyson Partin

Private Lesson Instructor of French Horn

Bio >

Lindsay Schlemmer

Lindsay Schlemmer

Private Lesson Instructor in Cello

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

Justin Staebell

Private Lesson Instructor in Voice

Bio >

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

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

Lydia Shull

Office Coordinator

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

Brad Beale

Adjunct Instructor of Music

Bio >

David Crittenden

David Crittenden

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music

Bio >

Jason Harms

Jason Harms

Adjunct Instructor of Music

Bio >

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 >

Brent Adams

Brent Adams

Associate Professor of Theatre Arts Emeritus

Bio >

Mary Fall

Mary Fall

Associate Professor of Music Emerita

Bio >

Herbert Johnson

Herbert Johnson

Professor of Music Emeritus

Bio >

Dennis Port

Dennis Port

Professor of Music Emeritus

Bio >

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 >

11

vocal or instrumental performance groups

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

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.

Nursing students in lab

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.

Learn more

Woman smiling in classroom

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.

Learn more

Students working at whiteboard

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.

Learn more

Student group outside in front of the CLC

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.

Learn more

Overhead view of student working on laptop

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

Smiling student wearing Bethel University beanie

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.

Start your application

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.

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements