3 answers
Leo
Student
Bridgton, Maine
1
Question
Asked
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How do I get an internship for Music Therapy?
I'm majoring in psychology and music to pursue a career in music therapy. I want to help people in end-of-life care have a better quality of life. I'm not sure where to get started with internships
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3 answers
Cliff Beach
Music and marketing
9
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Cliff’s Answer
That’s a beautiful calling—and I respect that deeply. When I was first finding my voice in music and purpose in service, I wish someone had told me what I’m about to tell you:
Start where impact already lives. Look up local hospice centers, hospitals, and senior care facilities—many of them are open to music therapy interns or volunteers, even if they don’t advertise it. Reach out with a humble heart and a simple offer: “I’m studying music and psychology, and I’d love to share music with your residents to support their emotional and mental well-being.” Trust me, that kind of initiative goes a long way. Then you can try to formalize or create an internship from there.
Connect with certified music therapists. Reach out on LinkedIn, join the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), or talk to professors in your music or psych departments. Ask to shadow someone or assist with a session. Learning from someone in the trenches is gold. They may know someone looking for interns or you can possibly intern for them.
And here’s the real key: Bring your whole self to it. Your love for people, your gift of music, and your curiosity—that’s the formula. The technical stuff can be taught. But the heart? That’s what will make you unforgettable in this field. Networking should be organic and not forced. People hire who they like, trust and know! This will help you prove yourself first and add credibility while also building your resume to look good as an intern candidate. And it gives your more value than purely searching Google alone, which you should always do too! Good luck!
Start where impact already lives. Look up local hospice centers, hospitals, and senior care facilities—many of them are open to music therapy interns or volunteers, even if they don’t advertise it. Reach out with a humble heart and a simple offer: “I’m studying music and psychology, and I’d love to share music with your residents to support their emotional and mental well-being.” Trust me, that kind of initiative goes a long way. Then you can try to formalize or create an internship from there.
Connect with certified music therapists. Reach out on LinkedIn, join the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), or talk to professors in your music or psych departments. Ask to shadow someone or assist with a session. Learning from someone in the trenches is gold. They may know someone looking for interns or you can possibly intern for them.
And here’s the real key: Bring your whole self to it. Your love for people, your gift of music, and your curiosity—that’s the formula. The technical stuff can be taught. But the heart? That’s what will make you unforgettable in this field. Networking should be organic and not forced. People hire who they like, trust and know! This will help you prove yourself first and add credibility while also building your resume to look good as an intern candidate. And it gives your more value than purely searching Google alone, which you should always do too! Good luck!
MaryAnn Ivan
Musical Director/Composer
10
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
MaryAnn’s Answer
Hi Leo
I went to Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA for a degree in Music Therapy. It is an outstanding school. We all minored in psych, and had our regular music classes, and the music therapy classes as well. It was an amazing education. At that time we did 7 on site practicums at different facilities; e.g. Children’s rehab, Geriatrics, Autistic populations, Adult rehab, Hospital settings, Nursing homes, etc. After the degree we had a 6th month internship, passed the exam, and were then licensed. I highly recommend getting in touch with a bunch of schools.
Music Therapy was a bigger thing on the West coast than in the East but things have most likely changed since my time at college.
There is the Journal of Music Therapy which would have articles by music therapists and you can probably get in touch with them personally and ask their advice for your area or for the schools you are looking into.
It’s a terrific and fulfilling career, for you and especially your clients and patients.
Mary Ann :-)
PS Anatomy and Physiology nearly killed me. I had to go to summer school. The class was a bunch of nursing students, and a handful of musicians, and it was a requirement. The professor lost me at the “sodium-potassium ” pump. BUT…. I did pass with a B. Had to be banged into my head. Good luck ! lol
Research which colleges and universities offer the music therapy program. Not all of them who have a music program do the therapy thing.
I went to Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA for a degree in Music Therapy. It is an outstanding school. We all minored in psych, and had our regular music classes, and the music therapy classes as well. It was an amazing education. At that time we did 7 on site practicums at different facilities; e.g. Children’s rehab, Geriatrics, Autistic populations, Adult rehab, Hospital settings, Nursing homes, etc. After the degree we had a 6th month internship, passed the exam, and were then licensed. I highly recommend getting in touch with a bunch of schools.
Music Therapy was a bigger thing on the West coast than in the East but things have most likely changed since my time at college.
There is the Journal of Music Therapy which would have articles by music therapists and you can probably get in touch with them personally and ask their advice for your area or for the schools you are looking into.
It’s a terrific and fulfilling career, for you and especially your clients and patients.
Mary Ann :-)
PS Anatomy and Physiology nearly killed me. I had to go to summer school. The class was a bunch of nursing students, and a handful of musicians, and it was a requirement. The professor lost me at the “sodium-potassium ” pump. BUT…. I did pass with a B. Had to be banged into my head. Good luck ! lol
MaryAnn recommends the following next steps:
Brewer Shettles
Indie Audio Engineer - Musician
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Brewer’s Answer
Google Search - Internship for Music Therapy - Many opportunities await! Create videos of yourself playing music and title them "Music Therapy by Leo" on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Volunteer with Musicians on Call - bring joy by playing portable keyboards for hospital patients. Your kindness and teamwork can make a big difference. The world is yours to explore and conquer!