The final step in becoming a music therapist is a 6-month, full-time clinical internship. After completing all required coursework at an approved college or university, students gain hands-on experience in real-world settings. Upon successful completion, they become eligible to take the board certification exam and earn the credential Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC).
This internship provides opportunities to work with a wide range of populations, including older adults, hospice patients, and people of all ages with developmental disabilities. The next opening in Coralville will be in the summer of 2027 with applications due in late 2026.
The Quad Cities internship provides an opportunity to gain experience with various settings, including schools, hospice, mental health settings, and adaptive lessons.
The next opening in the Quad Cities will begin in fall of 2027.
Both internship sites feature opportunities to observe and work with several music therapists, marketing and business training, fine-tuning your resume, and a mock interview to prepare for launching into the profession.
Interns must have their own transportation, and mileage will be reimbursed. Interns will have access to a company car on some occasions when driving out of town. Housing, meals, and stipend are not provided.
A current negative TB test may be required based on the regulations of specific contracts. If a TB test is required for the intern’s caseload, the internship site will be responsible for any associated costs
Coralville Director
Rachel Burchett, MT-BC
rburchett@westmusic.com
(319)351-8054
Quad Cities Director
L. Johnson, MT-BC
ljohnson@westmusic.com
(319)383-7514
For inquiries about music therapy internships and training in the Midwestern region of the American Music Therapy Association, contact:
Midwestern Region AIAC Representative
Beth Mosko, MA, MT-BC
beth.mosko@pathways-care.org
“The music therapy internship at West Music is really one-of-a-kind! Not only was I able to gain valuable experience with a variety of populations, but the supervisors also helped me to grow exponentially in my clinical skills. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to have worked with such a dynamic, supportive team!”
- Alisha Luymes
“My internship experience at West Music was excellent, and set me up for success as I entered the profession as a board-certified music therapist. Having a chance to work with a wide variety of populations gave me the skill set and problem-solving techniques to best serve the individuals with whom I work. I was consistently challenged, yet supported throughout my internship, and I am immensely grateful for that!”
-Hayley Graham, MA, MT-BC
“My internship with West Music gave me a wide variety of clinical experiences and I was able to learn from many different Music Therapists. This helped me develop my own style and prepare me to be a confident, independent Music Therapist.”
– Janel Metzger
