The Internship Experience

If you come ready to learn, there are no limits to the amount of knowledge, wisdom and internal growth that you will take with you. We care deeply about providing an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Having initiated the Four Seasons’ Music Therapy Internship program in 2010, our roots run deep. We provide a six-month placement for 2-3 interns per year. Our internships generally run from January-July and July to January. We are flexible with start dates to accommodate school and life schedules when possible. Music therapists are integral members of the Four Seasons Interdisciplinary Team:

  • MTs work with physicians, nurses, certified nurse assistants, chaplains, social workers and volunteers to provide holistic care for hospice patients and their families.
  • MTs provide music therapy groups for older adults in facility settings
  • MTs participate in community outreach events, fundraising efforts and grants/research.
  • MTs provide Bereavement support via individual sessions, support groups, and memorial services.
  • MTs provide music and ritual for memorial services for individuals and facilities

Our Music Therapy Interns integrate fully into all of these roles as they continue down their internship path.

Interns begin their experience with an extensive orientation geared toward all aspects of Hospice – from philosophy to documentation. All aspects of care are covered including medical, psychological, and spiritual. In¬terns ride along with other disciplines as they orient to their specific team and have ongoing opportunity to shadow all of our music therapists. Once orientation is complete, the intern begins to work closely with his/ her Internship Supervisor and Internship Director to develop a plan that will best support their growth and development. In terms of a timeline, the first month includes orientation and observation, month 2 and 3 includes more co-leading and then month 4-6 includes more individual work. Intern typically have a caseload of about 15-20 individuals, spend certain days at our in-patient unit and have time designated for groups in the community. Interns will be responsible for patient assessments, care plans, sessions, documentation, and participation in interdisciplinary treatment teams. Interns will receive ongoing supervision from their primary supervisor as well as the other qualified Four Seasons music therapists. They will have access to all continuing education opportunities presented at Four Seasons during their internship.

While interns work hours are officially, 8:00-4:30, they will spend additional time completing assignments, doing homework and prepping for work. Along with a full schedule, Four Seasons wholeheartedly emphasizes self-care. We work with you as you develop and hone your own self-care skills.