A music therapy internship is an important and meaningful time in a therapist’s journey. St. Jude recognizes the importance of continued education and provides a challenging music therapy internship program for eligible students working towards board certification as approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). This six-month, 1040-hour program allows interns to work beside music therapists, supporting patients and families in the pediatric hematology/oncology setting.
Our challenging and comprehensive internship will allow students to have the opportunity to interact with many different disciplines, including child life, medical staff members, rehabilitation team (PT/OT/Speech), chaplaincy and social work. Students will experience an integrative approach to music therapy with an emphasis on early intervention, oncology, palliative care and bereavement.
The six-month, full-time music therapy internship is designed to provide exposure to inpatient and outpatient care in oncology and hematology. Specific areas the intern may encounter include: hematology, leukemia/lymphoma, solid tumors, neuro-oncology, diagnostic imaging, radiation oncology, procedures, bone marrow transplant and pediatric intensive care. There will be opportunities for interns to observe and lead individual and group interventions in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Interns will be expected to commit to working full-time, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some evenings and weekends may be required, but will be discussed with the intern prior to the occurrence.
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To seek out a qualified candidate, the music therapists at St. Jude will use various forms of media during the interview process. Applicants will be required to complete an application and provide two video submissions, using both piano and guitar. Following the initial application process, selected applicants will move onto a phone interview. This will be followed by either an in-person or video interview, depending on the preference of the candidate.
Academic Background
- Senior in college or completed bachelor’s or master’s degree in Music Therapy
- Applicants with high academic achievement and pediatric practicum experience will have priority
Music Skills
A. Vocal Skills
- Sing with appropriate pitch, rhythm and volume
- Sight-read simple melodies
B. Guitar Skills
- Accurately tune instrument
- Play basic chord progressions (I, ii, IV, V and vi) functionally in at least 3 keys
- Play in a variety of musical and accompaniment styles including both strumming and fingerpicking
- Transpose accompaniments into various keys
C. Piano Skills
- Play basic chord progressions (I, ii, IV, V and vi) functionally in at least 3 keys
- Play in a variety of music and accompaniment styles
- Transpose simple melodies and accompaniments in various keys
D. Percussion Skills
- Play with steady beat and functional knowledge of percussion instruments
E. General Music Skills
- Maintain a working knowledge of a variety of repertoire appropriate for various age groups
- Improvise or compose simple songs
- Maintain functional knowledge of music theory
Therapeutic Skills/Professional Qualities
- Collaborate effectively with other disciplines
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic music therapy interventions for use in the pediatric setting
- Exhibit effective communication/documentation of interactions
- Demonstrate professionalism and ability to accept feedback
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While performing the duties of this job, the intern is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; kneel; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The intern must be able to travel frequently between two hospital buildings as well as outpatient clinics and inpatient units throughout them. The intern will accompany patients to diagnostic imaging (MRI, ultrasound, CT, etc), procedures, and surgeries and will need to provide support during the duration. Interns must be able to maintain supervision and lead an activity for up to twenty patients while ensuring their safety at all times. The intern must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an intern to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be frequently exposed to infectious agents, body fluids, secretions, blood products and cytotoxic agents. Occasional exposure to radiation and waste anesthetic gases may occur. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Intern must be able to retain composure under stressful conditions.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted in the above online format.
All 2025 applications are due by December 2, 2024.
For additional information contact the Music Therapy Internship Director:
Amy Love, MA, MT-BC
262 Danny Thomas Place
Mail Stop 121
Memphis, TN 38105