Music Therapy Internship: Let’s Talk About It!
Did you know that Florida Music Therapy offers a music therapy internship? FMT can accept up to 10 new interns every year! With music therapy internship application deadlines approaching, we asked some of our current interns to provide insight into some things to expect in an internship and things to consider when preparing to choose/begin at an internship site.
Internship FAQs
Firstly, here are some frequently asked questions about internship that our lovely, current FMT interns took the time to answer:
What is your favorite part about a music therapy internship?
“I love having the ability to work in a professional environment and learn from your supervisor. I also appreciate having the space to make mistakes and grow professionally.” -Kimberly
“My favorite part about Music Therapy Internship is discovering new ways to connect to people through music in a way that is authentic to myself and my participants!” -Briley
“I love getting to see my clinical skills and knowledge expand each week!” -Madi
“I love getting to work hands-on with participants and learn what works best for each individual. With that, I love having the opportunity to individualize a treatment plan to each participant and see how they all differ from each other.” -Hannah
“My favorite part about my internship has been meeting so many new participants and getting creative with my session planning!” -Campbell
What do you wish you knew going into your internship?
“I wish I knew to be gentle on myself with my expectations and always remember that I am a student.” -Kimberly
“One thing that I wish I knew going into my internship is all the life changes that come with it. You really are stepping into a new season when stepping into a music therapy internship! There have been a lot of great changes in my life that would not have happened if I wasn't here!” -Briley
“There are going to be a lot of new things that you may not know about, and that's okay!” -Madi
“I wish I knew how to better establish boundaries and limitations in my abilities going into it. I had to be reminded by my supervisor many times that it’s okay to say no sometimes, and I am not expected to do it all on my own! (We have clinical supervisors for a reason)” -Hannah
“Internship is going to be hard no matter where you go! Cultivate a healthy self-care routine and try to set yourself up for success.” -Campbell
What's one piece of general advice that you would give future interns?
“Don’t be afraid to share and communicate things that bother you. Your internship supervisor is meant to guide you into being a professional. If there is anything that you don’t feel confident or comfortable in, communicate that! There will be resources available to you.” -Kimberly
“Be selfish with your time and education. This is *your* experience and *your* education. Invest in it, take time to advocate for yourself, ask questions, and seek answers!” -Briley
“Take every moment as an opportunity to learn something. Everything can be a model or anti-model for your future career!” -Madi
“Communicate when you feel overwhelmed. The burden is not all on you to carry. Most supervisors are not only willing to help you, but have a desire to help/see you succeed!” -Hannah
“If you want to have a good experience, you have to be proactive and take initiative in your learning! Don't be afraid to advocate for what you need!” -Campbell
Some Questions to Consider When Choosing an Internship Site:
What approach is used at this site?
What is the population being served?
If I have to relocate, is housing provided?
Is it full time or part time?
Is there a stipend, gas, or toll reimbursement?
Will I work in person or virtually?
Do I have to travel for sessions?
Will there be other interns learning alongside me?
Do I want to work in this clinical setting?
Will I work in collaboration with other medical professionals such as physical therapists, speech therapists, doctors, etc?
If in a hospital, do I rotate between floors/departments?
Am I expected to provide my own instruments or are they provided by the site?
What is the primary instrument used within sessions?
What are the expectations for me as an intern?
What can I expect from supervision?
Will this internship site expand my knowledge in the way I hope it will?
What are my top priorities for learning?
What is something that I want to take away from my internship?
Every internship is unique, so it’s very important for you to choose the internship site that’s right for YOU!
If you are interested in learning more or applying for a FMT Internship, you can visit our website for more information at https://www.floridamusictherapy.com/internship
“Florida Music Therapy employs a humanistic and person-centered care model using trauma informed care. We use these frameworks to assess and address the needs of each client, provide a safe, supportive, and accommodating environment, and provide respectful and compassionate care. Clients are engaged in treatment with safety, choice, trustworthiness/transparency, and empowerment. Our clients’ safety, wellness, and dignity are the center of treatment. Clinical techniques and uses are individualized and backed by the current evidence-based trends of research, all pending approval of clients’ choice and informed consent.”