Interns will learn the function of music therapy within a pediatric hospital setting. Training will include developmental effects of hospitalization on children of all ages, basic descriptions of common illnesses and their treatments, and the use of music therapy as a coping intervention. Upon completion, interns will meet, at minimum, AMTA professional competencies.

With support of the Internship Director, interns at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital will be expected to identify personal strengths and challenges, set internship goals, and evaluate progress on a regular basis. Interns will demonstrate the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and process and utilize information and constructive feedback. Interns are also expected to seek guidance when faced with difficulties. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital adheres to four core values, including Excellence and Discovery, Leadership and Integrity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Respect and Collegiality. Interns will be expected to not only adhere to these core values but also serve as a role model for others. 

Currently, music therapy covers the pediatric cardiovascular and neonatal ICUs, hematology/oncology, and the infusion center. *Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. *Hours are subject to change. Any changes are discussed within a timely manner.

Interns also have the opportunity to participate in an outpatient rotation during the second half of their internship, supervised by a certified child life specialist. The rotation includes radiology, the emergency center, the hematology/oncology clinic, and pre-op. Interns may also have the opportunity to lead music therapy groups in our outpatient speech and language department.

With Johns Hopkins All Children’s being a teaching hospital, interns have a wealth of educational opportunities that vary throughout the year. Interns are welcomed and encouraged to attend various interdisciplinary presentations including, but not limited to, Grand Rounds, Schwartz Rounds, student seminars, in-services, and on-campus conferences. Interns have access to our medical library and the Johns Hopkins database, free of charge. 

In addition to clinical experience, interns will be expected to complete weekly assignments related to their clinical work. Assignments and projects include, but are not limited to: 

• A music therapy in-service presentation
• Two case study presentations
• A condensed research proposal 
• A prospective program proposal
• Assisting with Child Life Department hospital events

Provisions:

• Stipend: None 
• Diversity-Based Scholarship: $1,500 pending exemplary essay responses
• Meals: Interns receive a 20% discount in the hospital cafeteria.
• Housing: Not guaranteed. Interns will receive assistance in locating lodging and there is possible on-campus housing during some semesters.
• Public Transportation: The hospital is on the main bus line.
• Uniform: Interns are required to purchase a uniform from the hospital gift shop. 

In an effort to increase equity, accessibility, and inclusion within the field of music therapy, our clinical internship is proud to offer a potential $1,500 scholarship. Diversity reflects on the categories of ethnicity, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, income, postal code (rural or urban), educational attainment of parents (“first-generation college students”) and residency status. All applicants will be considered for this scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to students who are selected for the internship and who are able to communicate knowledge, understanding, and an ability to exemplify diversity within the profession of music therapy.

Interns are required to provide documentation/proof of the following prior to their start date: 

• Immunization Records – including proof of immunity to chicken pox (either with a positive serum varicella titer or receipt of two doses of the chicken pox vaccine)
• Annual Flu Shot
• COVID-19 vaccination (Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson)
• Current TB test
• Health Insurance
• Current BLS/CPR certification

An education affiliation agreement between the applicant university and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital is required. Proof of liability insurance from the university or the applicant must be documented. A copy of the liability insurance must be submitted to the Internship Director prior to the applicant start date.

Universal masking is required within all areas of JHACH (hallways, cafeteria and common corridors included). Cloth masks are permitted in common areas, and surgical masks are required for clinical areas. Face shields are also mandatory (in addition to the surgical masks) for all direct patient care encounters. Surgical masks and face shields will be provided to interns. Physical distancing (6ft or more) is required within the clinical setting. Students will be working with COVID+ patients.

Prospective interns must have completed coursework in an approved music therapy degree program and must demonstrate competency in the following areas:

Music Skills:

• Ability to play basic chord progressions (I, IV, V) on the guitar in at least 3 keys to accompany singing. 
• Ability to play basic chord progressions (I, IV, V) on the piano/keyboard in at least 3 keys to accompany singing.
• Ability to play a melody on the piano/keyboard and accompany it with simple chord progressions. 
• Ability to transpose simple compositions into 2 other keys on 2 different instruments, one of which must be guitar. 
• Ability to read music and sight-read a simple melody with a written chordal accompaniment. 
• Ability to compose simple songs.
• Ability to improvise using piano/keyboard, guitar, and rhythm instruments. 
• Ability to sing in tune and with pleasing vocal quality.
• Functional use of voice, including singing in appropriate ranges with appropriate volume. 
• Knowledge of songs appropriate for all age groups including the age range of birth through young adult.

• Ability to assess strengths and limitations and formulate appropriate treatment goals and objectives.
• Ability to assess responses to music interventions, including mood, affect, and behavior. 
• Professional writing skills through documenting observations clearly and accurately while using correct grammar. 
• Ability to plan and implement age-appropriate music interventions using an accompaniment instrument. 
• Basic knowledge of child and adolescent development. 
• Ability to verbally express the therapeutic benefit of music interventions for hospitalized children. 
• Ability to model and communicate easily understood directions verbally and non-verbally.
• Ability to encourage patient and family participation while respecting a family’s declination to participate. 
• Basic understanding of music therapy literature and research.

An ideal intern candidate would demonstrate the following qualities:

• Excellent time management 
• Flexibility and ability to adapt in the moment
• Critical thinking, with ability to problem-solve independently 
• Use of appropriate and professional verbal language, eye contact, and voice
• Self-confidence with ability to identify personal strengths and weaknesses
• Humility, including an openness towards self-awareness and personal reflection 

With this application, please include all of the following:

Resume: Include education, work, and volunteer experience. Practicum experience should include details including population and ages served. Include your current and/or any projected practicum(s) even if not completed with their anticipated completion dates.

Official Transcript: Submit an official transcript on the following application page. Directly emailed or mailed transcripts are accepted. Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted.

Recommendation Form: In lieu of letters of recommendations, applicants are asked to download the Music Therapy Intern Recommendation Form (located on the application page). Please provide the electronic recommendation form to three (3) references, two (2) of which must be from clinical music therapy supervisors, and one (1) should be from a professor familiar with your musical/academic skills. Have your references fill out the form and send directly to the Internship Director, Kelly Morris ([email protected]). 

Letter of Eligibility: Include a confirmation letter of eligibility from your Music Therapy Academic Director. This can be either included with the recommendation form (if from the same source) or emailed separately. 

Personal Mission Statement: Your personal mission statement may include what you are passionate about, your values, your strengths and weaknesses, your priorities, or your objectives as they relate to music therapy, your goals for the future, and this internship.

Essay Responses:

1. In 100 words or less, describe your personal philosophy of music therapy. 
2. What are you expectations for an internship? 
3. In our description of our internship, you were introduced to areas and populations you would work with and our hospital culture. Select one area or aspect that is of particular interest to you and one that you think will be challenging. Tell us why. 
4. What strengths do you possess that would allow you to practice music therapy differently than you have previously seen or experienced?
5. In what ways is your education or background different than your peers and how might that affect how you connect with, and relate to patients and families within the medical setting?
6. In your experience, what ways have you or your peers been impacted by a lack of inclusion or diversity within the field of music therapy? How do you think those issues could be improved or resolved moving forward?
7. Optional: Is there anything that you would like for us to know about you that was not covered by this application? 

Audition Recording: Please include a YouTube link(s) demonstrating your keyboard, guitar, and vocal skills on four (4) songs total. Please choose a different genre for each song you provide, including: pop, current country, rap, rock, R&B, hip hop, folk, gospel, world music, Contemporary Christian, reggae, and/or Disney music. 

In your audition link(s) please: 

• Identify the key, artist, and title of each song.
• Accompany yourself on guitar for two (2) songs. 
• Accompany yourself on piano for two (2) songs.
• If your primary instrument is not voice, guitar, or piano, please include one additional recording of your choice on your primary instrument. 
• Recordings must NOT include actual clients.
• Aim to include as much of your instrument in your video frame as possible. 

Top candidates will be invited to participate in a phone screening. Following an acceptable screening, a virtual personal interview will be scheduled.