Music therapy internship in Santa Ana, CA
Grow into the music therapist you want to be.
We accept one intern at a time, so you get our full attention. Develop your clinical skills, gain hands-on experience, and become part of a collaborative team of music therapists, with a primary supervisor and supportive team guiding you along the way.
leading sessions
a team that caresabout our program
Learn by doing, with support.
Our internship gives students the chance to develop their clinical skills through hands-on experience, collaboration, and mentorship. Each intern is paired with a primary supervisor who guides their training, and also has access to collaborate with our full team of board certified music therapists.
Throughout the internship, you will observe, co-lead, and gradually facilitate sessions with increasing independence. We accept one intern at a time so you get meaningful clinical experience, individualized feedback, and real supervision.
our teamwho you will work with
A wide range of clients and settings
inclusive piano lessonChildren through adults
with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism
Older adults
in senior living communities, including assisted living and memory care
Individual and group sessions
in our Santa Ana studio and in the community
Inclusive music lessons
one on one lessons for students of all abilities (sometimes called adapted lessons)
what to expect
Your internship experience
Clinical experiences
Lead and co-lead individual and group music therapy sessions, plus individual inclusive music lessons, for clients with a variety of developmental, social, emotional, and therapeutic needs.
Mentorship and growth
Meet regularly with your primary supervisor for clinical supervision and feedback, and build your session planning, documentation, musical, and clinical skills.
Community
Take part in team trainings, community events, recitals, summer camps, and other programs that are part of our work.
Collaboration
Collaborate with our wider team of music therapists, communicate professionally, and contribute to a supportive team environment.
recital day!part of our community
More than sessions.
Being part of our community events and recitals throughout the year is an expected part of the internship. These moments let you support our team, connect with families outside of sessions, and help create inclusive opportunities where every student is celebrated.
- Recitals throughout the yearHelp students shine on stage, from setting up to cheering them on.
- Community eventsJoin studio events, summer camps, and outreach that bring families together.
- Inclusive opportunitiesSee how inclusive performances give every student a chance to be celebrated.
who we are looking for
Curious, prepared, and ready to grow.
- 1Strong foundational musical skillsincluding functional guitar, piano, and voice.
- 2Professionalism and reliabilityarriving prepared, managing responsibilities, and communicating effectively.
- 3Initiative and adaptabilityproblem solving, responding to client needs, and taking an active role in learning.
- 4Openness to feedbackapplying recommendations and reflecting on clinical experiences.
- 5Interest in diverse populationsespecially children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, and older adults in senior living communities.
- 6Collaboration and teamworka willingness to support other music therapists and contribute to our programs.
You don’t need all the answers.
We know interns are still developing their clinical skills. We look for students who show preparation, accountability, curiosity, and a genuine interest in learning.
our team of professionalsat a glance
Internship structure
6 months
Program length
Santa Ana, CA
Location
Mon to Fri
10:30am to 7:00pm
2 start dates
July 1 and January
July to December now accepting
Apply by January 31 for a July 1 start
January to June
Apply by July 31 for a January start
how to apply
Application process
Submit your application
Complete the online form and upload your resume and a brief video of your functional guitar, piano, and vocal skills.
Interview and music skills
Selected applicants are invited to an interview, including a live demonstration of foundational musical and clinical skills.
have these ready
- ✓ Your resume
- ✓ A brief video of your functional guitar, piano, and vocal skills
We accept one intern at a time, based on availability, clinical readiness, and fit with our team. Submitting an application does not guarantee an interview or placement.
after your internship
Where your internship can lead
We hope to grow our team from our internship. Interns who are a great fit may be invited to stay on as part of OC Music Services after earning their MT-BC.
Careers at OC Music Services
See open positions for music therapists and music educators, and what it is like to work with us.
View careers from our blogThe Journey to MT-BC
Every music therapist’s path is different, but there are similar steps along the way. Read about the road to board certification.
Read the post