Music Therapy Internship

Music Therapy Philosophy

Music therapy at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is patient and family centered, emphasizing the use of clinical and evidenced-based music interventions, along with the therapeutic relationship, to encourage the deeply-rooted healing powers of music. Largely inspired by the humanistic approach, music therapists continuously assess patient needs within an ever-evolving system and provide the support necessary to reach therapeutic goals determined during each session. Efforts are made to create and work toward long-term goals, when clinically appropriate, providing opportunities for therapists to flow between various therapeutic approaches and collaborate with other providers.

Music therapists work closely with the medical team to further support patient needs and reach goals promoting physical, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Emphasizing the importance of caring for the caregiver, music therapists also seek out opportunities to provide music-centered support to staff and family members, by leading group sessions, administering environmental music therapy, and creating therapeutic kits that promote positive coping and self- expression.

Music therapists are expected to provide culturally and spiritually relevant support to individuals. It is of utmost importance for every therapist to have continued self-awareness of one's biases, beliefs, and values. Pursuing ongoing education, to develop insight of various cultures is expected and necessary to provide meaningful and impactful therapeutic experiences to patients. The music therapy internship aims to cultivate a supportive environment inspiring development, independence, and innovation. Each intern will be given experiences necessary to confidently complete AMTA competencies, through observation, education, presenting, co-leading, and leading. Experiential learning with be highlighted, as interns complete/experience assignments, that in turn, can be modified to be used as interventions within their own practice. Intern strengths and passions will be identified and fostered. In turn, an action plan will be created to address weaknesses and allow space, time, and encouragement for development.

The hope for each intern is that they feel safe to explore new ideas, supported in speaking about concerns, and to complete their internship feeling prepared and empowered to enter the professional world of music therapy.

Application Process

Application submission deadlines and internship start dates are as follows:

Upon receipt of application via email, submissions will be reviewed, and selected applicants will be contacted. Prospective interns will be required to participate in an on-site or virtual interview (depending on location). Applicants will be notified by email regarding the status of their application, following the interview. Music therapy intern candidates must be enrolled in an American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) approved music therapy college or university. Once internship offer is accepted by intern, a legal affiliation will need to be completed and signed between college/university, MUSC Health, and student.

Should you have any further questions, please contact the Arts in Healing team at artsinhealing@musc.edu.

Expectation of Music Therapy Interns

1. All applicants should have the desire to work in a large inpatient medical setting, with varied populations.
2. Applicants must have excellent musical skills with main instrument, and functional skills with guitar and piano.
3. Applicants must complete all course work as specified by college or university.
4. Applicants must be prepared to complete assignments and special projects as outlined in the MUSC internship packet.
5. Accepted applicants must participate in all orientation requirements. The accepted applicant is responsible for obtaining background checks, two-step PPD, and any required vaccinations prior to start date via MUSC Career Exploration Program.
6. Applicants are responsible to provide ongoing education about the Arts in Healing Department to MUSC Health leaders, physicians, care team members, and the community.
7. Applicants are expected to document and maintain records, progress reports, and statistical information in appropriate formats while also fulfilling the Arts in Healing Program and facility-wide quality assurance/performance improvement standards.
8. Applicants are required to participate in weekly on-site supervision to ensure best practices and continuum of patient care are supported.
9. A legal affiliation is required between the intern's university and MUSC. The Legal Affiliation Agreement must be in place before an intern can begin internship.

Application Packet Requirements

• Application Form including:
  • Essay Questions
  • Resume
  • Audio/Visual Recording
  • Letter of Eligibility – Music Therapy Director
  • Letter of Recommendation – Clinical Supervisor
  • Letter of Recommendation – Personal Reference
  • Transcript

Please note that all application packet requirements should be sent by the noted deadline.

Applications or missing portions of an application will not be considered if submitted after the deadline.