The Department of Music and Performing Arts offers three degree programs for music majors:
- Bachelor of Music in Applied Performance—a professional degree designed for students with strong performance skills who wish to become professional musicians, college and university teachers, or private studio teachers.
- Bachelor of Arts in Music—a degree designed for students who want to develop their musical skills within a liberal arts program with enough flexibility to pursue additional studies in other fields of interest, such as biblical studies, business, psychology, theatre arts, etc.
- Bachelor of Music Education—a professional degree designed for students who wish to become fully qualified elementary or secondary school music teachers. Students may elect certification in instrumental K-12 or vocal K-12. Bethel’s music education degree fulfills the Minnesota certification requirements.
Students majoring in fields outside of music may choose elective courses in music, take private lessons, and participate in performance organizations.
Transfer students must demonstrate acceptable proficiency levels in music theory, music history, and applied music before admittance to the major program. Credits used toward the major are evaluated on an individual basis by the department.
Music Proficiencies
- Applied Proficiencies. All students majoring in music must meet competency performance standards as specified by the department. The levels of proficiency are determined by the student's degree program. Applied performance majors must fulfill Level IV; music education majors and B.A. majors must fulfill Level III. Applied proficiency levels are determined by area of study (voice, keyboard, instrumental, and strings) and approved by the specific Area Directors.
- Piano Proficiency. Expectations and standards are covered in MUL 143A Introduction to Keyboard Theory and following music theory keyboard labs. The Director of Keyboard Activities tracks individual progress through the piano proficiency.
- Guitar Proficiency. Required of all music education majors and may be passed by successfully completing MUL 142A Beginning Guitar or testing out. For more information on testing out of the guitar proficiency, contact the Music Office.
Additional Requirements
- Entrance Audition. Passing the Ensemble Audition and acceptance into an auditioned ensemble signifies initial entry into the Music Program. The auditioned ensembles are any MUP and MUE ensembles.
- Music Juries. Music majors and minors taking private lessons must perform on their applied instruments before the music faculty at music juries. The music jury is waived during the semester in which a recital is given or the sophomore interview is held. A music minor is required to perform a music jury for a minimum of four semesters. The music jury can constitute the 12th lesson for music majors and minors.
- Recital and Concert Attendance. Music majors are required to attend 32 on-campus concerts/recitals/Music Hours or approved professional off-campus concerts during each academic year. Expectations are detailed in the MUS 195 Music Hour syllabus. Music minors are required to attend 64 concerts over a four-year period. Expectations are detailed in the MUS 195 Music Hour syllabus. Concerts that meet this requirement include faculty recitals, student recitals, and approved professional off-campus concerts.
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Sophomore Interview. Formal acceptance into a degree program takes place during the second year of study. Music Education majors must apply during the fall of the second year. B.A. and Applied Performance majors apply in the spring of the second year. Students who do not pass their Sophomore Interview are not allowed to take any further music courses but may still continue in lessons and ensembles if they choose. Details and procedures of the Sophomore Interview process are available in the Music Office.
Theatre
The Minor in Theatre supports students who want to pursue Theatre performance, students who want to incorporate vital theatre skills into their professional and personal lives, and students who want to shine their light and share their gifts by creatively telling important stories. Skills such as creativity, communication, empathy, collaboration, and artistry are developed in theatre classes and productions. These skills are important in a wide range of professions and vital in developing healthy relationships. Incarnation and Story are at the heart of Theatre and Christian faith. Bringing meaningful stories to life in our productions builds community and enriches both those who create our shows, and those who attend them.
Music Courses
MUS 101 • Music Fundamentals 1 Credit
Fundamentals of music theory notation: clefs; time signatures; major and minor key signatures; major and all three forms of minor scales; intervals and triads, including qualities and inversions; Roman numeral analysis with figured bass; overtone series.
Corequisites: Concurrent registration in MUL 143A and MUS 103 or Consent of instructor is required. Offered: Fall.
MUS 103 • Introduction to Music Literature 2 Credits
Development of listening skills and musical vocabulary pertinent to the study of Western music history through a chronological survey of major historical style periods and representative literature.
Corequisites: Concurrent registration in MUS 101 and MUL 143A is required or Consent of instructor. Offered: Fall.
MUS 104 • Music Theory I 3 Credits
A continuation of MUS 101 concepts and materials: voice-leading and part-writing of triads and seventh chords, and modulations in diatonic chorale style. Beginning development of ear-training and sight-singing, music technology, computer applications, and continuation of functional keyboard skills.
Prerequisites: MUS 101 and MUS 103. Offered: Spring.
MUS 195 • Music Hour 0 Credit
A weekly informal recital meeting time for the purpose of student performance or discussion of topics of significance to musicians. Music majors and minors are required to perform on their applied instruments in a minimum of one Music Hour recital per semester. First-semester freshmen perform at the discretion of the private instructor.
Prerequisites: Major or minor in music. Offered: Fall, Spring. Special Notes: Music majors must register each semester in residence in order to complete the Recital and Concert Attendance requirements for graduation. This course is graded on an S/U basis.
MUS 202 • Music Theory II 3 Credits
A continuation of MUS 104 concepts and materials: advanced voice-leading and part-writing skills, chromaticism/non-diatonicism, introduction to jazz and pop theory. Continued development of ear-training, sight-singing, functional keyboard skills, music technology, and computer applications.
Prerequisites: MUS 104. Offered: Fall.
MUS 203 • Music Theory III 3 Credits
Practice in 16th century counterpoint; analysis of forms from 18th century counterpoint through classical forms; continuation of ear-training, sight-singing, and functional keyboard skills.
Prerequisites: MUS 202 or Consent of instructor. Offered: Spring.
MUS 240 • Producing and Performing an Opera 4 Credits
Instruction in opera production, literature, standards, and performance practices. One opera or operetta is studied and rehearsed during January session, then performed in the first week of the Spring term. Includes proper stagecraft for the operatic genre as well as the historical, cultural, and sociological significance of the work.
Offered: January, odd # years.
MUS 262A • How To Write A Song 3 Credits
Explore song history, analysis, and structure in order to compose and record an original piece.
Offered: Occasionally January. Special Notes: This course does not require any formal music background.
MUS 301 • Music Theory IV 3 Credits
Advanced analysis and composition in all styles with a focus on 20th century music.
Prerequisites: MUS 203. Offered: Spring, odd # years.
MUS 305G • Music in World Cultures 4 Credits
Introductory study of cultural traditions, belief systems, and practices of world cultures through the study and analysis of the music of ethnic groups. Specific cultures included may vary with each offering.
Prerequisites: [GES 130; GES 160 or GES 149]; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or World Cultures (U) course. Offered: Spring, even # years.
MUS 312 • Music History and Literature I 3 Credits
Chronological survey of Western musical art from the Greek civilization through the Baroque period with detailed examination of representative works. Required listening, examinations, and written projects.
Prerequisites: MUS 103 and MUS 104. Offered: Fall.
MUS 313 • Music History and Literature II 3 Credits
A continuation of MUS 312, from 1750 to the present.
Prerequisites: MUS 312. Offered: Spring.
MUS 322 • Instrumental Literature and Conducting 3 Credits
Principles of conducting as applied to orchestral and band literature. Musical style and the responsibility of the conductor to the score. Instrumental music of the Classic, Romantic, and 20th century periods is explored.
Prerequisites: MUS 324. Offered: Spring.
MUS 323 • Instrumentation 2 Credits
Introduction of all major instruments with emphasis on transpositions, ranges, and idiomatic writing. Arranging of music for large and small combinations of woodwind, brass, string, and percussion instruments.
Prerequisites: MUS 202 and MUS 312. Offered: Spring.
MUS 324 • Choral Literature and Conducting 3 Credits
Development of conducting techniques with the application of stylistic principles to the styles of the Renaissance, Baroque, Classic, Romantic, and 20th century periods.
Prerequisites: MUS 202 and MUS 313 or Consent of instructor. Offered: Fall.
MUS 326 • Vocal Literature 3 Credits
Survey of solo vocal repertoire from early music through the present day. Develops skill in the study of song literature. Highlights significant features and developments inherent in the form.
Prerequisites: MUS 203 or MUS 313. Offered: Spring, even # years.
MUS 340 • Producing and Performing an Opera 4 Credits
Instruction in opera production, literature, standards, and performance practices. One opera or operetta is studied and rehearsed during January session, then performed in the first week of the Spring term. Includes proper stagecraft for the operatic genre as well as the historical, cultural, and sociological significance of the work.
Offered: January, odd # years.
MUS 357 • Piano Pedagogy 2 Credits
Methods of teaching piano. Overview of teaching materials including method books, literature collections and anthologies, and supplementary materials.
Prerequisites: Major or minor in music. Offered: Occasionally.
MUS 358 • Brass Methods 2 Credits
Methods of teaching brass instruments (trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba). Performance techniques and materials as well as practical experience on each of the representative instruments.
Prerequisites: Major or minor in music. Offered: Fall, even # years.
MUS 359 • Percussion Methods 2 Credits
Methods of teaching percussion (snare drum, keyboard/mallets, timpani, concert accessories/auxiliary, drum set). Performance techniques and materials as well as practical experience on most of the represented instruments.
Prerequisites: Major or minor in music. Offered: Spring, odd # years.
MUS 360 • String Methods 2 Credits
Methods of teaching stringed instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass). Performance techniques and materials as well as practical experience on each of the representative instruments.
Prerequisites: Major or minor in music. Offered: Spring, even # years.
MUS 362 • Woodwind Methods 2 Credits
Methods of teaching woodwind instruments (flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, bassoon). Performance techniques and materials as well as practical experience on each of the representative instruments.
Prerequisites: Major or minor in music. Offered: Fall, odd # years.
MUS 363 • Vocal Pedagogy 2 Credits
Methods of teaching the vocal mechanism and its functions. Performance techniques and materials as well as practical experience.
Prerequisites: Four semesters of voice lessons. Offered: Spring, odd # years.
MUS 366 • Italian and English Lyric Diction 1 Credit
Studies in pronunciation of Italian and English songs through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Verbal, written, and sung realization of this work practiced on assigned repertoire.
Prerequisites: One year private voice study or equivalent. Offered: Fall.
MUS 367 • French Lyric Diction 1 Credit
Studies in pronunciation of French diction through use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Verbal, written, and sung realizations of this work practiced on assigned repertoire.
Prerequisites: MUS 366. Offered: Spring, odd # years.
MUS 368 • German Lyric Diction 1 Credit
Studies in pronunciation of German diction through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Verbal, written, and sung realization of this work practiced on assigned repertoire.
Prerequisites: MUS 366. Offered: Spring, even # years.
MUS 395 • Junior Recital 0 Credit
A culminating performance experience required for the bachelor of music applied performance major. A one half-hour recital of Level III repertoire is presented.
Prerequisites: Pre-recital hearing. Offered: Fall, Spring.
MUS 495 • Half Senior Recital 0 Credit
A culminating performance experience required for bachelor of music and bachelor of music education majors. A one half-hour recital of Level III repertoire is presented.
Prerequisites: Pre-recital hearing. Offered: Fall, Spring.
MUS 496 • Full Senior Recital 0 Credit
A culminating performance experience required for the bachelor of music applied performance major. A one-hour recital of Level IV repertoire is presented.
Prerequisites: Pre-recital hearing. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Music Ensembles
MUE101A-MUE161A. Ensembles. O-1 Credit.
Bethel offers a large selection of vocal and instrumental ensembles. All ensembles are open by audition to students who are members of a performance organization (MUP101A-MUP163A) or who have special permission from the conductor. Not all music ensembles require auditions. Prerequisite: Participation in a major performance organization (MUP101A through MUP163A).
MUE 101A • Chamber Choir 1 Credit
The Chamber Choir rehearses and performs music specifically designed for small ensemble part-singing. In the first semester the ensemble explores traditional pre-20th century literature including French chansons and European madrigal literature. In the second semester emphasis shifts to the 20th century, with exploration of contemporary literature and vocal jazz.
Prerequisites: Participation in Bethel Choir or Lucia Chorum or Royal Register. Offered: Fall, Spring.
MUE 131A • Handbell Ensemble 1 Credit
The Handbell Ensemble performs a wide range of repertoire from the finest original compositions and arrangements available for handbells. The ensemble performs in the Festival of Christmas, presents a spring concert, and performs in area churches. One rehearsal each week.
Offered: Fall, Spring. Special Notes: Open by audition to students from all academic disciplines.
MUE 141A • Chamber Ensemble 1 Credit
An opportunity to develop self-expression through the discovery and performance of instrumental chamber music. Meets once a week for 1.5 hours of coaching and requires 1.5 hours of additional preparation.
Offered: Occasionally. Special Notes: Ensembles are arranged by individual audition and practicing is required.
MUE 151A • Jazz Orchestra 1 Credit
Explores the unique American art form of jazz, performing various styles from traditional big band to fusion. Concerts include the spring Jazz in the Great Hall. Two rehearsals each week.
Prerequisites: Approval of director of instrumental activities. Offered: Fall, Spring. Special Notes: Open by audition.
MUE 161A • Chamber Winds 1 Credit
Small instrumental groups emphasize performance and training in ensemble repertoire for small wind or percussion ensembles including but not limited to: brass quintet, woodwind quintet, percussion ensemble, or any other instrumental family ensembles. One rehearsal each week.
Prerequisites: Participation in Wind Symphony or Approval of director of instrumental activities. Offered: Fall, Spring. Special Notes: Open by audition.
Music Lessons
MUL101A through MUL439. Private Lessons. O-2 Credits.
Private lessons are offered in bassoon, cello, clarinet, double bass, English horn, euphonium, flute, guitar, harp, horn, oboe, percussion, piano, pipe organ, saxophone, trumpet, tuba, voice, viola, and violin. Lessons may be taken for one-half hour, three-quarter hour, or one hour per week with or without credit. Practice requirement expectations and standards are detailed in the Music and Theatre Department Student Handbook. Students receive 12 lessons per semester if they register before or during the first week of the semester. To receive credit, a student must have a minimum of 10 lessons. Students registering late are not allowed to make up the lessons they missed. Lessons cannot begin or be registered for after the third week of the semester. All music majors are required to register for a three-quarter hour lesson. Students preparing for a recital are encouraged to register for a one-hour lesson. Voice lessons require regularly scheduled studio voice lab.
MUL 140A • Beginning Piano 1 Credit
A series of class lessons recommended for students who have not had formal piano study. Using the keyboard laboratory, students learn to read music and harmonize simple folk melodies at the piano as well as acquire some basic theory.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
MUL 141A • Beginning Voice 1 Credit
A series of class lessons, lectures, and student performances providing the beginning vocalist a basic foundation in singing. Incorporates folk, musical theatre, and classic literature.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
MUL 142A • Beginning Guitar 1 Credit
A series of lessons designed to give the beginning guitarist a foundation in acoustic (nonelectric) guitar, including basic tuning techniques, chords in seven keys, reading of notes on the first five frets, strumming rhythms, fingerpicking, and song leading.
Offered: Fall, Spring. Special Notes: Music education majors may use successful completion of this course to satisfy the guitar proficiency requirement.
MUL 143A • Introduction to Keyboard Theory 1 Credit
A series of class lessons for music majors and minors who have little or no background in keyboard theory skills.
Corequisites: Concurrent registration in MUS 101 and MUS 103 or Consent of instructor is required. Offered: Fall. Special Notes: Students with more advanced keyboard skills may attempt to test out after registration. This course is graded on an S/U basis.
MUL 225 • Piano 4 Credits
A series of lessons designed to advance the student beyond the foundational piano techniques introduced in MUL 140A.
Offered: Occasionally.
MUL 242A • Intermediate Guitar 1 Credit
A series of lessons designed to advance the student beyond the foundational guitar techniques introduced in MUL 142A, including barred chords, chord alteration, advanced strumming and fingerpicking, performance techniques, guitar music theory, and arranging.
Offered: Spring.
MUL 300 • Applied Composition 1-2 Credits
Private (or small group) study in composition beginning with single instruments followed by chamber groups and large ensembles. Computer notation and MIDI sequencing also included. Performance of original works when appropriate or required.
Prerequisites: MUS 202 or Consent of instructor. Offered: Fall, Spring. Special Notes: The private lesson fee applies to this course.
Music Performance Organizations
MUP101A through MUP163A. Performance Organizations. 0-1 Credit.
Students with a major in music are required to be in a performance organization for four years. Students with a minor in music are required to be in a performance organization for a minimum of two years. Credit for transfer students is evaluated on a individual basis. For non-majors, four credits may be applied toward the graduation requirement of 122 credits.
MUP 101A • Lucia Chorum 1 Credit
Lucia Chorum is open by audition to female students from all academic disciplines. The choir rehearses three times each week and performs on and off campus throughout the year.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
MUP 111A • Bethel Choir 1 Credit
The Bethel Choir is open by audition and presents concerts throughout the United States or Europe during its annual concert tours. The choir rehearses four days each week.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
MUP 121A • Royal Register 1 Credit
Male a cappella ensemble of auditioned voices. The group studies and performs vocal literature across genres and time periods with an emphasis on modern musical styles and vocal techniques such as contemporary music, reading sheet music, singing in tune, unifying an ensemble, and singing expressively.
Prerequisites: Audition and the ability to sing at least folk song melody. Offered: Fall, Spring.
MUP 150A • Bethel Philharmonic Orchestra 1 Credit
A fully symphonic orchestra open, by audition, to all members of the Bethel community, including students, faculty, staff, alumni and the larger community as openings allow. Rehearses one night a week and gives one concert a term.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
MUP 153A • Bethel Chamber Orchestra 1 Credit
A performance ensemble for music majors, minors, and other serious players. Performs repertoire from the Baroque to the Modern Era, tours annually, gives concerts, and participates in Festival of Christmas and Classics in the Great Hall. Plays in chapel and collaborates with the Opera Workshop and other musical theater events.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
MUP 163A • Wind Symphony 1 Credit
The Wind Symphony is an active performance group presenting concerts locally as well as throughout the United States or Europe. The Wind Symphony is open by audition to woodwind, brass, and percussion players from all academic disciplines of the university.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
Theatre Courses
THA 100A • Beginning Acting for Stage and Screen 4 Credits
The art of acting. Workshop experiences to develop personal creative talents through an exploration of performance techniques including movement, improvisation, and stage acting.
Offered: Fall or Spring.
THA 120A • Projects in Performance 1 Credit
A project in backstage/technical work (e.g., set/stage building, props, lights, etc.,) or performance to be pursued in conjunction with a current performing arts production. Minimum of 30 hours.
Prerequisites: Consent of department. Offered: Fall, January, Spring. Special Notes: Maximum of 1 credit per area, per semester and 4 credits per four years.
THA 202A • Producing and Performing a Musical 4 Credits
An intensive experience in the production and performance of a musical. Instruction and coaching in the unique art of musical theatre as well as direct involvement in all aspects of mounting a show according to a professional summer stock or repertory model.
Prerequisites: Audition for and casting in the show. Offered: January.
THA 220 • Projects in Performance 1 Credit
A project in backstage/technical work (e.g., set/stage building, props, lights, etc.,) or performance to be pursued in conjunction with a current performing arts production. Minimum of 30 hours.
Prerequisites: Consent of department. Offered: Fall, January, Spring. Special Notes: Maximum of 1 credit per area, per semester and 4 credits per four years.
THA 302 • Producing and Performing a Musical 4 Credits
Additional experience in the production and performance of a musical. Instruction and coaching in the unique art of musical theatre as well as direct involvement in all aspects of mounting a show according to a professional summer stock or repertory model.
Prerequisites: THA 202A and Audition for and casting in the show. Offered: January.
THA 320 • Projects in Performance 1 Credit
A project in backstage/technical work (e.g., set/stage building, props, lights, etc.,) or performance to be pursued in conjunction with a current performing arts production. Minimum of 30 hours.
Prerequisites: Consent of department. Offered: Fall, January, Spring. Special Notes: Maximum of 1 credit per area, per semester and 4 credits per four years.
THA 420 • Projects in Performance 1 Credit
A project in backstage/technical work (e.g., set/stage building, props, lights, etc.,) or performance to be pursued in conjunction with a current performing arts production. Minimum of 30 hours.
Prerequisites: Consent of department. Offered: Fall, January, Spring. Special Notes: Maximum of 1 credit per area, per semester and 4 credits per four years.