Benjamin N. Faugstad

Benjamin N. Faugstad is an Associate Professor of Music in the Music Department at Bethany Lutheran College. He directs the Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Drumline, and Chamber Orchestra, and teaches courses in Music Skills, Conducting, Instrumental Pedagogy, Jazz Improvisation, and individual lessons in percussion, guitar, conducting, and composition.

His research and creative interests span several areas within music, including music education, instrumental conducting, jazz improvisation, percussion and guitar performance, and musical composition and arranging. He has created arrangements for concert band, pep band, percussion ensemble, drumline, and piano, many of which are published through Veritas Musica Publishing. His composition "Joy to the World" for string orchestra has been performed across Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. He is currently developing a beginning drum set method and composition guide, reflecting his commitment to pedagogical innovation in music instruction.

Benjamin Faugstad earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music from Bethany Lutheran College in 2007, completed music licensure at Minnesota State University, Mankato (MSUM) in 2009, and obtained his graduate degree from MSUM in 2018. He previously taught at Lake Mills Community School in Iowa before joining the faculty at Bethany.

As an active performer, he played drum set with the Blue River Combo for several years and currently performs on guitar with the GBK Trio. His artistic practice informs his teaching and ensemble direction, contributing to a vibrant music program at the college.

He advises students through individual instruction and ensemble leadership, and while specific grant activity is not mentioned, his creative projects such as published arrangements and original compositions suggest ongoing scholarly and artistic support. He lives in Mankato, Minnesota, with his wife and four children.

Benjamin N. Faugstad is a core member of the music faculty, contributing significantly to performance, pedagogy, and composition within the Department of Music.