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 Music Performance Major

Major

God has gifted you with the talent and desire to study for a music performance degree. Join us at Bethel University in the pursuit of musical excellence and expression.

Through private lessons, ensemble participation and core music courses, you will hone your gifts during your time on campus to take any stage with confidence and professionalism. A comprehensive music education, when paired with a liberal arts background, will prepare you for a fulfilling career in any number of performance venues and settings.

Both the artistic and practical preparation that you will receive, when paired with our vibrant campus life and rich faith experiences, are exactly the framework needed to take your craft to the next level and stretch yourself as a performer and musician.

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Bethel University academics psychology

16,000+

local businesses provide internships and employment opportunities

12:1

student-to-faculty ratio

100%

of students receive some form of financial assistance

Music Performance Major

Studying music at Bethel University in Indiana offers you not only robust music training and performing experiences, but also the flexibility to tailor your degree toward your specific interests and the ability to prepare you for a wide variety of careers in music. One way is to provide concentrations within the major. Choose from:

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Program (Voice Concentration) – 4 years

  • Introduction to World Music
  • Music Theory
  • Sight-Singing/Ear-Training
  • Form & Analysis
  • Basic Conducting
  • Music of the Middle Ages & Renaissance
  • Music of the Baroque & Classical Periods
  • Music of the Romantic Era
  • Music of the Twentieth and Twenty-First Century
  • Vocal Diction
  • Advanced Conducting
  • Vocal Pedagogy
  • Vocal Literature
  • Voice Lessons

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Program (Piano Concentration) – 4 years

  • Introduction to World Music
  • Music Theory
  • Sight-Singing/Ear-Training
  • Form & Analysis
  • Basic Conducting
  • Music of the Middle Ages & Renaissance
  • Music of the Baroque & Classical Periods
  • Music of the Romantic Era
  • Music of the Twentieth and Twenty-First Century
  • Advanced Conducting
  • Piano Pedagogy
  • Elective Voice
  • Voice Lessons
  • Piano Literature
  • Piano Lessons

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Program (Instrument Concentration) – 4 years

  • Introduction to World Music
  • Music Theory
  • Sight-Singing/Ear-Training
  • Form & Analysis
  • Basic Conducting
  • Music of the Middle Ages & Renaissance
  • Music of the Baroque & Classical Periods
  • Music of the Romantic Era
  • Music of the Twentieth and Twenty-First Century
  • Advanced Conducting
  • Instrumental Pedagogy
  • Elective Voice
  • Voice Lessons
  • Orchestral Instrument Lessons

Prepare for an exciting future as a/an:

  • Performer 
  • Private Studio Teacher 
  • Recording Artist 
  • Composer 
  • Accompanist

 Recent graduates have found employment as a/an:

  • Performer 
  • Private Studio Teacher 
  • Accompanist 
  • Member of U.S. Armed Forces Music Groups 

You’ll gain career-shaping skills such as:

  • Advanced music reading
  • Knowledge of music history and its impact 
  • Performance techniques 
  • Knowledge of music literature and repertoire

Audition for the Bethel University Music Department

All students interested in pursuing a music major or minor at Bethel University must complete an audition. There are three ways to do this:

  1. Schedule an audition at Bethel University.
  2. Schedule a live video audition appointment.
  3. Submit a video audition.
Schedule an Audition
Audition Requirements
“My time at Bethel was a special and pivotal moment in my life. I owe so much to my professors who were always supportive and kind; most importantly, they valued me as a person first. I studied vocal performance and was able to participate in several musical groups – both vocal and instrumental – and the education I received helped lay down the foundation for my future career as a Navy musician. As a music student, I learned how to sing in different styles and that has served me well as I have to be able to sing pop, musical theater, country, operetta/opera/legit, and big patriotic choral pieces in the Navy and learn it quickly. Bethel taught me the value of teamwork, compassion, reaching your goals, and spiritual toughness. I am truly grateful for my time at Bethel!”
Sarah Tiertsort ‘05
Music Performance Major,Chief Petty Officer in the Navy; Stage Manager & Operations Assistant, Sea Chanters; Career Counselor for the Command
“My time at Bethel was a special and pivotal moment in my life. I owe so much to my professors who were always supportive and kind; most importantly, they valued me as a person first. I studied vocal performance and was able to participate in several musical groups – both vocal and instrumental – and the education I received helped lay down the foundation for my future career as a Navy musician. As a music student, I learned how to sing in different styles and that has served me well as I have to be able to sing pop, musical theater, country, operetta/opera/legit, and big patriotic choral pieces in the Navy and learn it quickly. Bethel taught me the value of teamwork, compassion, reaching your goals, and spiritual toughness. I am truly grateful for my time at Bethel!”
Sarah Tiertsort ‘05
Music Performance Major,Chief Petty Officer in the Navy; Stage Manager & Operations Assistant, Sea Chanters; Career Counselor for the Command
“My time at Bethel was a special and pivotal moment in my life. I owe so much to my professors who were always supportive and kind; most importantly, they valued me as a person first. I studied vocal performance and was able to participate in several musical groups – both vocal and instrumental – and the education I received helped lay down the foundation for my future career as a Navy musician. As a music student, I learned how to sing in different styles and that has served me well as I have to be able to sing pop, musical theater, country, operetta/opera/legit, and big patriotic choral pieces in the Navy and learn it quickly. Bethel taught me the value of teamwork, compassion, reaching your goals, and spiritual toughness. I am truly grateful for my time at Bethel!”
Sarah Tiertsort ‘05
Music Performance Major,Chief Petty Officer in the Navy; Stage Manager & Operations Assistant, Sea Chanters; Career Counselor for the Command
Bethel Community Stories
19.03.27 Bethel strong academics

Music Performance Major Highlights

In the music department at Bethel University, students will be surrounded by people who are like-minded with similar passions. Students will be provided a space where they can connect and collaborate with others as they further their understanding of music technique, deepen their understanding of their God-given musical gifts and broaden their understanding of the impact they can make through music.

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Also Consider These Areas of Study

As you’re pursuing a degree in music performance, you may explore pairing it with one of the following degrees:

Music Education (Major)
Theatre (Minor)
Worship Arts (Major)
Music (General) (Major or Minor)

Still deciding?
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Financial Aid

Music Scholarships are available for intended music majors, minors and talented elective students. An application for admission should be submitted before scheduling an audition.

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Take the Next Step

Take the first step toward your Bethel University degree in music performance. Visit campus, apply, request information or ask questions about financial aid.