Select Program
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Scholarship Audition
No Interview
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
VOCAL TRAINING
•Advanced vocal performance across classical, contemporary, and experimental genres
•Vocal pedagogy, vocal literature, and lyric diction coursework (Italian, English, French, German)
•One-on-one mentorship from faculty in private voice lessons
PERFORMANCE VENUES
•Benson Great Hall — premier 1,700-seat concert venue in the Twin Cities metro
•Annual Concerto-Aria competition recital with monetary prizes
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Fully staged operas and musicals, opera scenes, and cabaret-style spring scenes shows
•Bethel Choir, Chamber Orchestra, and other ensembles
•Mainstage productions including Festival of Christmas draw thousands of audience members
TOURS & TRAVEL
•Ensembles tour nationally every year and internationally every four years
•Past international destinations include Singapore, Malaysia, Poland, Sweden, and France
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
•Private voice lessons required each semester (minimum four years)
•Ensemble participation required each semester including all concerts and tours
•Piano proficiency exam required
•Junior recital and full senior recital
FAITH & COMMUNITY
•Christ-centered learning community with faith integrated into coursework
•Bethel Career Commitment: job or grad school support within six months of graduation
GRADUATE PLACEMENT
•Alumni accepted to Peabody Institute, Eastman School of Music, Sibelius Academy (Finland), and Boston University
•Many graduates awarded full-ride scholarships or fellowships
Key Info
Program AppApplication
Auditions
Scholarship Competition Day (On-Campus)Feb 21, 2026
Recorded Audition Submission DeadlineMar 1, 2026
Audition Requirements
Optional audition for scholarship consideration — not required for program admission.
Good to Know
ADMISSION
•No audition required for program admission
•Apply through Common App or Bethel website
•Rolling admissions — no fixed deadline
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
•Separate scholarship application required for music scholarship consideration
•Scholarship application window: June 1 to February 1
•Must have completed Bethel admission application by February 1
What's The Process
NO AUDITION REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION
•Admission to the BM Applied Performance program does not require an audition
•Students are admitted through the university application process
SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION
•An optional audition is available for music scholarship consideration
•Prepare two contrasting selections in voice
•Audition live on campus or submit a recorded audition
•Contact lydia-shull@bethel.edu to schedule an audition or submit a recording
Scholarship Info
MUSIC PERFORMANCE SCHOLARSHIP
•$1,000–$4,000/year ($4,000–$16,000 over four years)
•Open to students of any major who participate in a music department ensemble
•Renewable each year with full-time enrollment, 2.50 GPA, and ensemble participation
•Recipients must register for a weekly 30-minute music lesson each semester (lesson fee billed separately)
ROCKLEY/FRASER COMPETITIVE SCHOLARSHIPS
•Rockley Family Foundation: up to $26,000 over four years
•Alleen Jefferson Fraser: up to $25,000 over four years
•Combined with the Music Performance Scholarship
•Two recipients selected after live audition on Scholarship Competition Day
SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION
•Prepare two contrasting selections (voice)
•Audition live on campus or submit a recording
•Scholarship Competition Day: February 21, 2026
•All auditions must be submitted by March 1, 2026
•Contact lydia-shull@bethel.edu to schedule
DEADLINES
•Scholarship application deadline: February 1, 2026
•Bethel admission application must be on file by February 1
•All scholarships are stackable with academic scholarships
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.42
Avg GPA (W)
88%
Admit Rate
73%
Grad Rate
1,871
Enrollment
$63,764
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$44,226
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$28,556
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$22,218
Family Income $30k - $48k$22,279
Family Income $48k - $75k$20,071
Family Income $75k - $110k$24,963
Family Income $110k+$33,155
