College of Arts & Sciences Catalog
Music
The Department of Music offers four degree programs for music majors:
- 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.
- 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 Sacred Music—a degree designed for students
who wish to assume positions of positive leadership as musicians
in the evangelical church.
- 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.
Students majoring in fields outside of music may take private lessons, participate in performance organizations, or choose elective courses in music.
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.
Courses
Music Courses
MUS102 • Introduction to Music (fall) 3 credits
Development of listening skills and basic musical vocabulary through a wide variety of classical music literature. Basic fundamentals of music theory, including clefs, key signatures, scales, intervals, and triads. Must be taken concurrently with MUL143A.
MUS104 • Music Theory I (spring) 3 credits
A continuation of MUS102 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. Prerequisite: MUS102.
MUS195 • Music Hour (fall, spring) 0 credits
A semi-monthly informal recital 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. Music majors must register each semester in residence in order to complete the Recital and Concert Attendance requirements for graduation. S/U grading. Prerequisite: Music major or minor.
MUS202 • Music Theory II (fall) 3 credits
A continuation of MUS104 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. Prerequisite: MUS104.
MUS203 • Music Theory III (spring) 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. Prerequisite: MUS202 or consent of instructor.
MUS230 • Music and Worship (spring, even # yrs) 3 credits
The role of music within the context of Christian corporate worship. Current practice in church music is analyzed from a theological and historical perspective with the goal of forming musical practice that matches biblical function.
MUS301 • Music Theory IV (spring, odd # yrs) 3 credits
Advanced analysis and composition in all styles. Advanced MIDI operations and special topics, including jazz history. Prerequisite: MUS202.
MUS305G • Music in World Cultures (fall) 3 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 each year. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES 145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.
MUS312 • Music History and Literature I (fall) 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, field trips, and written projects. Prerequisite: MUS104.
MUS313 • Music History and Literature II (spring) 3 credits
A continuation of MUS312, from 1750 to the present. Prerequisite: MUS312.
MUS322 • Instrumental Literature and Conducting (spring) 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 will be explored. Prerequisite: MUS324.
MUS323 • Instrumentation (spring) 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: MUS202; MUS312.
MUS324 • Choral Literature and Conducting (fall) 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: MUS203; MUS313.
MUS326 • Vocal Literature (spring, alternative years) 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. Prerequisite: MUS312, MUS313, or instructor approval.
MUS331 • Hymnology (spring, odd # yrs) 3 credits
The historic song of the Christian church from New Testament times to the present day. Emphasis is placed on historical context, doctrinal foundations, and use in modern Christian life and worship.
MUS358 • Brass Pedagogy (fall, even # yrs) 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.Prerequisite: Major or minor in music.
MUS359 • Percussion Pedagogy (spring, odd # yrs) 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. Prerequisite: Major or minor in music.
MUS360 • String Pedagogy (occasionally) 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. Prerequisite: Major or minor in music.
MUS362 • Woodwind Pedagogy (fall, odd # yrs) 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. Prerequisite: Major or minor in music.
MUS363 • Vocal Pedagogy (fall, even # yrs) 2 credits
Methods of teaching the vocal mechanism and its functions. Performance techniques and materials as well as practical experience. Prerequisite: Major or minor in music.
MUS364, 365 • Diction for Singers I, II (fall, odd # yrs; spring, even # yrs) 1 credit/semester
Studies in pronunciation of Italian, French, German, and English songs through the use of International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Verbal, written, and sung realization of this work practiced on assigned repertoire. Prerequisites: One year private voice study or equivalent for MUS364; MUS364 for MUS365.
MUS395 • Junior Recital (fall, spring) 0 credits
A culminating performance experience required for the bachelor of music applied performance major. A one-half-hour recital of Level III repertoire is presented. Prerequisite: Pre-recital hearing.
MUS495 • Half Senior Recital (fall, spring) 0 credits
A culminating performance experience required for the bachelor of arts in sacred music and bachelor of music education majors. A one-half-hour recital of Level III repertoire is presented. Prerequisite: Pre-recital hearing.
MUS496 • Full Senior Recital (fall, spring) 0 credits
A culminating performance experience required for the bachelor of music applied performance major. A one-hour recital of Level IV repertoire is presented. Prerequisite: Pre-recital hearing.
Musical Performance Organizations
MUP101A through MUP464A • Performance Organizations (fall, spring) 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 an individual basis. For non-majors, four credits may be applied toward the graduation requirement of 122 credits.
MUP101A, 102A, 201A, 202A, 301A, 302A, 401A, 402A Bethel Women’s Chorale • (fall, spring) 1 credit
The Bethel Women’s Chorale is open by audition to female students from all academic disciplines and rehearses four times each week. The chorale performs and tours throughout the United States.
MUP111A, 112A, 211A, 212A, 311A, 312A, 411A, 412A Bethel Choir • (fall, spring) 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.
MUP121A, 122A, 221A, 222A, 321A, 322A, 421A, 422A Bethel Male Chorus • (fall, spring) 1 credit
An ensemble of men rehearsing, studying, and learning a wide variety of music literature composed specifically for male voices. Approaches all aspects of musical and vocal learning: singing properly, singing proper notation, reading music, singing in tune, and singing expressively. Prerequisites: Audition and the ability to sing at least at entry level.
MUP153A, 154A, 253A, 254A, 353A, 354A, 453A, 454A Bethel Chamber Orchestra • (fall, spring) 1 credit
The Bethel Chamber Orchestra performs works from all periods of the classical repertoire. They perform in the Twin Cities and tour regionally. The Bethel Chamber Orchestra is open by audition to students from all academic disciplines. Meets Monday-Thursday.
MUP163A, 164A, 263A, 264A, 363A, 364A, 463A, 464A Wind Symphony • (fall, spring) 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.
In addition to the above, the following noncredit performance organization is available:
- Festival Choir. Required for members of the Bethel Choir, Bethel Women’s Chorale, and Bethel Male Chorus. The Festival Choir participates in the four performances of the annual Festival of Christmas. It presents a major choral work in the spring term with a professional orchestra. One rehearsal each week.
Musical Ensembles
MUE101A through MUE472A • Ensembles (fall, spring) 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 (MUPxxx) or who have special permission from the conductor. Though a student may participate in more than one ensemble (MUExxx) each semester, only one may be taken for credit. No more than two ensembles or performance organizations may be taken for credit in any semester. During the college career no more than 16 credits total for ensembles (MUExxx) and performance organizations (MUPxxx) may be taken for credit. Prerequisite: Participation in a major performance organization (MUP101A through MUP464A).
MUE101A, 102A, 201A, 202A, 301A, 302A, 401A, 402A Chamber Choir • (fall, spring) 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. Prerequisite: Participation in Bethel Choir, Bethel Women’s Chorale, or Bethel Male Chorus.
MUE131A, 132A, 231A, 232A, 331A, 332A, 431A, 432A Handbell Ensemble • (fall, spring) 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. Open by audition to students from all academic disciplines. One rehearsal each week.
MUE141A, 142A, 241A, 242A, 341A, 342A, 441A, 442A • Chamber Ensemble (occasionally) 1 credit
An opportunity to develop self-expression through the discovery and performance of instrumental chamber music. This class meets once a week for 1.5 hours of coaching and requires 1.5 hours of additional preparation. Ensembles are arranged by individual audition, and practicing is required.
MUE151A, 152A, 251A, 252A, 351A, 352A, 451A, 452A Jazz Ensemble • (fall, spring) 1 credit
This ensemble explores the unique American art form of jazz, performing various styles from traditional big band to fusion. Concerts include the spring Jazz Fest. Open by audition. One rehearsal each week. Prerequisite: Participation in Wind Ensemble or approval of director of instrumental activities.
MUE161A, 162A, 261A, 262A, 361A, 362A, 461A, 462A • Chamber Winds (fall, spring) 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. Open by audition. One rehearsal each week. Prerequisite: Participation in Wind Symphony or approval of director of instrumental activities.
Music Lessons
MUL101A through MUL139A • Private Lessons (fall, spring) 1 credit/half hour
Private lessons are offered in voice, piano, pipe organ, violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, English horn, horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, harp, percussion, and guitar. 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 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 a regularly scheduled studio voice lab.
MUL140A • Beginning Piano (fall, spring) 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.
MUL141A • Beginning Voice (fall, spring) 1 credit
A series of class lessons, lectures, and student performances to give the beginning vocalist a basic foundation in singing. Incorporates folk, musical theatre, and classic literature.
MUL142A • Beginning Guitar (fall, spring) 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. Music education majors may use successful completion of this course to satisfy the guitar proficiency requirement.
MUL143A • Introduction to Keyboard Theory (fall) 1 credit
A series of class lessons for music majors and minors who have little or no background in keyboard theory skills. Graded on a S/U basis.
MUL144A • Group Voice (fall, spring) 1 credit
A series of lessons given for a group of three to four beginning students. Lessons last one hour and cover basic techniques of singing and performance of folk, musical theatre, or classical literature. Some one-on-one instruction may occur as the class advances. Prerequisite: MUL141A or membership in Women’s Chorale or Male Chorus.
MUL241/341/441 • Intermediate Voice Class (fall, spring) 1 credit
A series of voice classes at the intermediate level, designed to help students develop their vocal abilities through pedagogical study, class exercises, and preparation of songs/scenes from the standard vocal repertoire. Repertoire includes music from multiple genres. Individual repertoire is chosen to meet each student's musical and curricular needs. Students perform for the rest of the class as well as in a final recital that is open to the public. Prerequisite: MUL141A or instructor approval. May be taken for repeated credit.
MUL242A • Intermediate Guitar (spring) 1 credit
A series of lessons designed to advance the student beyond the foundational guitar techniques introduced in MUL142A, including barred chords, chord alteration, advanced strumming and fingerpicking, performance techniques, guitar music theory, and arranging. Prerequisite: MUL142A or consent of instructor.
MUL243/343/443 • Practical Studies in Vocal Performance (interim, even # yrs) 3 credits
Lessons, workshops, and observations of students and professionals on campus and in New York City. Designed to help students increase performance abilities. Pedagogical study and coaching of two pieces from art song, operatic, or musical theatre repertoire prepared prior to course. A final performance is on campus. Prerequisite: Instructor approval. May be taken for repeated credit.
MUL300 • Applied Composition (fall, spring) 1 credit/half hour
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 encouraged when appropriate or required. The private lesson fee applies to this course. Prerequisite: MUS202 or consent of instructor.
Education Courses
(see Department of Education)
EDU432 • Methods in Teaching Elementary Music
EDU433 • Methods in Teaching Secondary Music
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;
sacred music majors must fulfill Level III; music education majors
must fulfill Level III; B.A. majors must fulfill Level III. Consult
the Department of Music for the repertoire required for each level
in voice, keyboard, and all instruments.
- Piano Proficiency. Expectations and standards are detailed in
the Department of Music Student Handbook.
- Guitar Proficiency. Expectations and standards are detailed in the Department of Music Student Handbook.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- 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 Department of Music Student
Handbook. Music minors are required to attend 64 concerts
over a four-year period. Expectations are detailed in the
Department of Music Student Handbook. Concerts that meet this
requirement include faculty recitals, student recitals, and
approved professional off-campus concerts.
- Music Juries. Music majors and minors taking private lessons must perform on their applied instrument 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 taken. A music minor is required to perform before a music jury a maximum of four semesters. The music jury can constitute the 14th lesson for music majors and minors.
Programs
In this section, semester credit hours will be shown after the course number and description.
Music Core for All Music Major Programs
| MUS102 | Introduction to Music | 3 |
| MUS104 | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUS195 | Music Hour | 0 |
| MUS202 | Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUS203 | Music Theory III | 3 |
| MUS312 | Music History and Literature I | 3 |
| MUS313 | Music History and Literature II | 3 |
| MUS322 | Instrumental Literature and Conducting | 3 |
| MUS323 | Instrumentation | 2 |
| MUS324 | Choral Literature and Conducting | 3 |
| Performance Organizations | 6 | |
| Private Lessons | 6 | |
| TOTAL | 38 |
Major in Music Education K–12 (B.Mus.Ed.)
| Music Core | 36 or 38 a | |
| MUS305G* | Music in World Cultures | 3 |
| MUS495 | Half Senior Recital | 0 |
| EDU200 | Introduction to Education | 3 |
| EDU201 | Introduction to Education Field Experience | 1 |
| EDU203 | School Health and Drugs | 2 |
| EDU220 | Introduction to Middle Level Education | 3 |
| EDU240 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| EDU241 | Educational Psychology Field Experience | 1 |
| EDU317GZ* | Understanding Diversity | 3 |
| EDU320 | Pedagogy of the Young Adolescent Learner | 2 |
| EDU432 | Methods in Teaching Elementary Music | 3 |
| EDU433 | Methods in Teaching Secondary Music | 3 |
| EDU434 | Middle Level Education Practicum in Music | 1 |
| EDU490 | Student Teaching Block | 15 |
| Choose one of the following emphases: | 4 or 6 b | |
| • Instrumental K–12 | ||
| MUS358 | Brass Pedagogy | |
| MUS359 | Percussion Pedagogy | |
| MUS362 | Woodwind Pedagogy | |
| Additional requirements: | ||
|
||
| • Vocal K–12 | ||
| MUS363 | Vocal Pedagogy | |
| MUS364 | Diction for Singers I | |
| MUS365 | Diction for Singers II | |
| Additional requirements: | ||
|
||
| Total | 83-87 | |
| General Education | 51-52 | |
| TOTAL | 136-137** | |
* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.
** Because of possible double counting between General Education and the major, the actual total can be reduced to 131-132 credits.
a Instrumental K–12 majors take 5 credits of performance organizations and 5 credits of private lessons, resulting in 36 credits in the Music Core. Vocal K–12 majors take 38 credits in the Music Core.
b Instrumental K–12 majors take 6 credits and vocal K–12 majors take 4 credits.
Students must earn a grade of C or better in each content area and education course
(MUS, EDU) in the major. Courses with grades of C- or lower must be repeated.
Major in Applied Performance (B.Mus.)
| Music Core | 38 | |
| MUS301 | Music Theory IV | 3 |
| MUS395 | Junior Recital | 0 |
| MUS496 | Full Senior Recital | 0 |
| Choose one of the following emphases: | 10 | |
| • Vocal Performance | ||
| Private Lessons | (in addition to Music Core) | |
| MUS363 | Vocal Pedagogy | |
| MUS364 | Diction for Singers I | |
| MUS365 | Diction for Singers II | |
| • Keyboard/Instrumental Performance | ||
| Private Lessons | (in addition to Music Core) | |
| Choose one to | which your major instrument is related: a | |
| MUS358 | Brass Pedagogy | |
| MUS359 | Percussion Pedagogy | |
| MUS360 | String Pedagogy | |
| MUS362 | Woodwind Pedagogy | |
| • Composition | ||
| MUL300 | Applied Composition | |
| Choose two from: | ||
| MUS358 | Brass Pedagogy | |
| MUS359 | Percussion Pedagogy | |
| MUS360 | String Pedagogy | |
| MUS362 | Woodwind Pedagogy | |
| MUS363 | Vocal Pedagogy | |
| PHI310 | Aesthetics | 3 |
|
Total |
54 | |
| General Education | 51-52 | |
| Electives | 16-17 | |
| TOTAL | 122 | |
Additional Requirements:
- Must be in a performance organization for a minimum of four years.
- Must fulfill recital and concert attendance requirement.
- Must pass the piano proficiency.
a Keyboard majors may petition to do a directed study in Keyboard Pedagogy.
Major in Sacred Music (B.A.)
| Music Core | 38 | |
| MUS230 | Music and Worship | 3 |
| MUS331 | Hymnology | 3 |
| MUS495 | Half Senior Recital | 0 |
| PHI310 | Aesthetics | 3 |
| Total | 47 | |
| General Education | 51-52 | |
| Electives | 23-24 | |
| TOTAL | 122 |
Sacred music majors with a keyboard emphasis are encouraged to study organ.
Additional Requirements:
- Must be in a performance organization for a minimum of four years.
- Must fulfill recital and concert attendance requirement.
- Must pass the piano proficiency.
Major in Music (B.A.)
| Music Core | 38 | |
| MUS495 | Half Senior Recital | 0 |
| PHI310 | Aesthetics | 3 |
| Total | 41 | |
| General Education | 51-52 | |
| Electives | 29-30 | |
| TOTAL | 122 |
Additional Requirements:
- Must be in a performance organization for a minimum of four years.
- Must fulfill recital and concert attendance requirement.
- Must pass the piano proficiency.
Minor in Music
| MUS102 | Introduction to Music | 3 |
| MUS104 | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUS202 | Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUS312 | Music History and Literature I | 3 |
| MUS313 | Music History and Literature II | 3 |
| MUS324 | Choral Literature and Conducting | 3 |
|
Performance Organizations a |
|
2 |
| Private Lessons | 2 | |
| TOTAL | 22 |
Additional Requirements:
- Must fulfill recital and concert attendance requirement.
a Must be in a performance organization for a minimum of two years.
Minor in Sacred Music
| MUS102 | Introduction to Music | 3 |
| MUS230 | Music and Worship | 3 |
| MUS331 | Hymnology | 3 |
| Performance Organizations | 4 | |
| Private Lessons a |
|
4 |
| PHI310 | Aesthetics | 3 |
| TOTAL | 20 |
a Must be taken over four semesters.
In addition to the usual music vocations, students can prepare for the following careers by combining the bachelor of arts major in music with prescribed minors in business or psychology. (Consult with the Department of Music for specific courses.)
Music Business
(sales, marketing, commercial composition, recording industry, arts management)
Music Therapy
(use of music in therapy with the handicapped, disabled, and others in need of human services)