Enriching lives through participation in music
Music Therapy Services of West Music
Reflecting on a Music Therapy Internship at West Music
07/07/23
A degree in music therapy culminates in a six-month internship - similar to student teaching - in which the students learn how to be a full-time music therapist in the professional world with support from supervisors who are board-certified music therapists. As current music therapy intern, Xinsu, is nearing the end of her internship, she reflects on the process
The transition from being observed by my supervisor to becoming completely independent was a memorable time. I felt a bit nervous at the time, especially in two nursing homes that rotated on a weekly basis. I had a lot of 1-on-1 and group sessions with people with intellectual & developmental disabilities, so I felt more comfortable with these groups compared to the nursing homes. Looking back now, the transition from being dependent to independent felt quicker than I had imagined it would be. After 1-2 completely independent sessions at each facility, I became much more accustomed to the routine.
The progress in my internship has been faster than I had expected! Every time I pause to reflect on myself from a month ago, I feel that there have been some changes, big or small. I have gradually become more composed compared to my initial nervousness. What makes me happiest is a nursing home I visit where there are few new clients every week. After a particular session, a few clients specifically expressed their gratitude towards me for the music therapy. I felt extremely happy, as it was a great encouragement for me!
I am very grateful to West Music for providing opportunities to work in different settings with kids, adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, older adults in nursing homes, and individuals and families facing the end of life. I also teach adaptive lessons, co-directed SoundReach choir, and created & promoted a new summer music group for adults with disabilities. Now I have only a few weeks left in my internship.
West Music also occasionally provides performance opportunities for students. One of my adaptive lesson piano students and an individual music therapy client performed in a recent recital. The individual client is on the autism spectrum and showed interest in playing the ukulele during music therapy sessions. After some time of learning, he played the accompaniment chords for "Hey Jude" during the concert while I sang and provided support. His mother told my supervisor and I after the concert that they were "blown away" by his level of focus during the performance. This made me very happy, as well.
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I hope the last days of internship at West Music go smoothly. I am grateful for the opportunity to intern at West Music and learn from multiple supervisors!
We wish Xinsu the best in her future career as a music therapist!
