15 Summer Music Internships for College Students
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 10 min read
As a college student preparing to join the professional world, internships can be opportunities for you to connect theory with practical experience and gain exposure to real workplaces. Internships let you test your skills, build meaningful industry connections, and gain experience that can make your resume stand out. Many universities and organizations offer structured summer internships that give you a chance to apply your skills in professional environments.
If you are interested in or are studying music in college, internships can be an entry point into an industry that thrives on creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Music internships can help you explore areas such as production, management, performance, and audio technology, while introducing you to the rigor of professional music environments. As an intern, you will also get to learn directly from seasoned artists and executives and build connections with them.
In this blog, we have put together a list of 15 summer music internships for college students. We have prioritized programs that blend hands-on experience with real opportunities to help you grow, connect, and find your place in the music world.
If you are looking for paid online internships, check out our blog here.
15 Summer Music Internships for College Students
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; financial assistance is available.
Dates: Eight-week internships around the year, including in the summer
Application deadline: May deadlines for summer cohorts
Eligibility: Undergraduates, gap-year students, and high school students who can work 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program connects students with early-stage startups for about eight weeks of remote, project-based work experiences. You will collaborate with startup managers to address real business needs and present your completed projects at the end of the term. To secure a music-focused placement, you can indicate your preference for internships at creative ventures like music-tech startups, artist management platforms, or audio-related nonprofits. You will work around 10–15 hours a week and receive mentorship from a Ladder Coach, who will offer regular feedback and career guidance throughout the internship. As the program is virtual, you will work with teams across different time zones and industries.
Location: Universal Music offices in New York, California, Florida, and Tennessee
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Summer internship starting in June; exact dates vary by position and location
Application deadline: Not specified; application opens in December
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled at an accredited two or four-year college/university in the U.S., pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and/or law degrees; applicants must have access to housing and transportation within the designated city and should be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring sponsorship for employment visa status
Universal Music Group’s Summer Internship Program provides college students with a hands-on introduction to careers across the global music entertainment industry. As an intern, you will work 20 to 40 hours per week within departments like A&R, marketing, brand partnerships, sync licensing, and artist strategy. You will be paired with a music business area that aligns with their academic and career goals, gaining practical experience in operations that drive the modern music ecosystem. Alongside daily responsibilities, this summer music internship for college students offers professional development sessions, mentorship, and networking events with industry leaders.
Location: Spotify office, New York City, NY
Stipend: Paid
Dates: ~10 weeks between June and August
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Students in their graduating or penultimate year of their associate’s, bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. degrees, as well as bootcamp certifications
Spotify’s Summer Internship Program is designed for students who want to explore innovation in digital music and audio streaming. Over 10 to 13 weeks, you will join a team within Spotify’s product development, marketing, data science, or design units, contributing to projects that influence how millions experience audio globally. You will work on real Spotify features and campaigns, helping refine podcast tools, supporting licensing deals, and/or analyzing listener trends for creative strategy. The experience includes direct mentorship from Spotify professionals and access to a collaborative culture that focuses on experimentation and inclusion. You will leave with portfolio-ready work and a deeper understanding of the music streaming industry.
Location: Rock Hall, Cleveland, OH
Stipend: Paid
Dates: May 28 – August 8 (internships can last beyond August 8, depending on the role)
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in college (preferably entering senior year after the summer internship) or graduate programs
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Internship Program invites college and graduate students to gain real-world experience inside one of the most iconic music institutions in the world. You will participate in project-based assignments spanning areas such as curation, education, marketing, and events, depending on organizational needs. The summer music internship for college students includes weekly professional development sessions, networking panels with Rock Hall staff, and exposure to museum operations and community programming. Beyond daily responsibilities, you will also experience the cultural atmosphere of Cleveland, known as the birthplace of rock and roll, through concerts and local events hosted by the Rock Hall.
Location: Warner Music Group offices in Los Angeles, Nashville, New York, or Miami
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Summer program starts in June; Spring and Fall opportunities also available
Application deadline: Typically, April
Eligibility: Students who are at least 18 years old and are enrolled as college students or recent grads located in the U.S.
Warner Music Group’s ETA Program provides college students and young professionals with an inside look at the operations of a major music company. Open year-round with summer placements, the program will pair you with departments such as A&R, publicity, digital marketing, and label services based on your skills and interests. You will work 20 to 29 hours a week, gaining insight into the workflows that drive artist promotion and music distribution. This summer music internship for college students focuses on both creative and business development, offering access to mentorship, professional events, and access to WMG’s global network.
Location: Remote or in-person at NPR offices in the U.S.
Stipend: $20/hour
Dates: 12 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current students enrolled in an accredited degree program or those who have graduated no more than 12 months before the start of the internship; applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
NPR’s Internship Program introduces students to the inner workings of a large public media organization. You will collaborate with professionals across journalism, production, digital media, and music programming, contributing to projects that reach national audiences. Depending on your placement, you may assist with audio editing, research, show preparation, or multimedia storytelling. The internship combines mentorship with hands-on work that reflects NPR’s mission to create informed and inclusive public dialogue. Internships can be onsite, remote, or hybrid, depending on team needs.
Location: The Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.
Stipend: $17.95/hour
Dates: 10 weeks; June – August
Application deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in accredited undergraduate degree programs
The Kennedy Center Internship Program provides an in-depth professional experience to college students interested in exploring arts management and cultural leadership. You will spend 10 weeks within your assigned Kennedy Center department, where you will gain firsthand experience in operations, event planning, and nonprofit administration. The summer music internship for college students integrates seminars led by senior staff on arts administration topics, offering insights into the broader ecosystem of performing arts organizations. You will also participate in cross-departmental meetings, collaborate on a capstone project, and conduct informational interviews connecting with staff across 13 departments.
Location: The Metropolitan Opera, New York, NY
Stipend: $16.50/hour
Dates: May 19 – August 1
Application deadline: February 23
Eligibility: Undergraduate students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals (within the first two years), ages 18 – 24
The Metropolitan Opera Internship offers college students the opportunity to explore the inner workings of a leading performing arts institution. This full-time, paid internship will place you in administrative departments such as marketing, finance, communications, development, or education, depending on your interests and skills. You will work 35 hours per week alongside experienced mentors, attend orientation sessions, and engage in weekly seminars hosted by senior Met staff. You will also have the chance to attend performances, interact with professionals in opera management, and explore career development opportunities within the arts.
Location: Concord offices in Los Angeles, Nashville, New York, or Miami
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Spring, Summer, and Fall internships available
Application deadline: Varies by session; summer deadline TBA
Eligibility: Anyone with a passion for music, access to housing and transportation within the designated city, legal authorization to work in the U.S., and no current or future requirement of sponsorship for employment visa status now or in the future
The Concord Internship Program allows college students to explore the entertainment industry through hands-on roles in areas such as A&R, business affairs, digital marketing, or royalties management. You will commit roughly 20 hours per week and work closely with professionals in Concord’s global offices in cities like Los Angeles, Nashville, London, and Berlin. The program focuses on helping you build practical skills in music publishing, sync licensing, artist relations, and production, while fostering collaboration across departments. You will also gain exposure to the diverse sectors that drive the modern music business, from theatrical productions to recorded content.
Location: Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, Nashville, TN
Stipend: $15/hour
Dates: May 13 – August 7
Application deadline: Not specified; applications open in late January
Eligibility: Currently enrolled, credit-seeking, and/or degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate students
The Country Music Hall of Fame Museum Internship offers college students learning experiences within a leading cultural institution in the U.S. You can choose from a wide range of departments, such as marketing, collections, education, development, or event management, depending on your academic and career goals. These paid summer music internships for college students typically run for 12 weeks and require a commitment of 18–25 hours per week. You will work alongside mentors, attend departmental meetings, and contribute directly to projects that support the museum’s mission. Perks include complimentary museum admission, free tours of RCA Studio B, and access to special events.
Location: Music Columbus, Columbus, OH
Stipend: $15/hour
Dates: June 2 – July 28
Application deadline: March 17
Eligibility: Students, 18 years or older, who have graduated from high school by the start of the program and live near or in Columbus
The Music Columbus Earn As You Learn Program is a 10-week, paid internship designed to help students gain professional experience within the local music industry. You will earn $15 per hour while working part-time with music-focused businesses across Columbus. You will be mentored by professionals in event production, studio work, or arts management, and you will engage in launch and closing events, volunteer at a Music Columbus event, and submit biweekly reflections. Tasks may include setting up sound equipment, assisting with live performance logistics, or maintaining instruments. You will also gain exposure to various aspects of studio management, event coordination, and production support.
Location: Ojai, CA
Stipend: Paid
Dates: One to two weeks around festival week + availability on festival days: June 11 – 14)
Application deadline: Not specified; applications open in Winter
Eligibility: Current college (undergraduate or graduate) students who are 18 or older
The Ojai Music Festival’s Arts Management Internship Program offers students a two-week immersive experience in live event production and arts administration. You will gain behind-the-scenes access to a globally recognized festival while assisting in departments such as production, development, audio, marketing, or front-of-house operations. You will receive training from festival staff and industry professionals, along with free or discounted concert tickets and local housing accommodation. During your internship, you will collaborate with multiple departments as projects evolve, developing a broad understanding of how logistics, artistic planning, and community engagement come together in a live performance setting.
Location: Bartlesville, OK
Stipend: $900
Dates: May 27 – June 10
Application deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Current college students
The OKM Festival provides college students with direct exposure to music festival production, event coordination, and arts education through its paid internships. As an intern, you will work closely with OKM’s team to support performances, manage logistics, and engage with artists and audiences. Your responsibilities may include assisting with marketing, children’s programming, stage setup, and artist relations. This summer music internship for college students is centered on collaboration, allowing you to learn from professionals in both music and event management.
Location: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, D.C
Cost/Stipend: None apart from a $30 non-refundable application fee (waivers available)
Dates: June 7 – 28
Application deadline: January 30
Eligibility: Students, ages 15 – 20, who play the violin, piano, viola, cello, percussion, string bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, and harp
The National Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Music Institute (SMI) is a tuition-free training program for advanced instrumentalists preparing for professional careers. The program offers access to private lessons with NSO musicians, chamber coaching, master classes, and side-by-side rehearsals with the orchestra. As a participant, you will perform in concerts throughout the metropolitan area and attend select NSO rehearsals and performances. The institute offers opportunities for both artistic training and social engagement.
Location: Various locations in Buffalo, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Summer internships available; dates vary
Application deadline: June 23
Eligibility: College students in the Western New York area who are majoring in Marketing, Arts Management, Music Business, or related fields, and/or have an appreciation and interest in the arts and classical music
The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra offers college students practical experience in arts administration through its summer internships. You will work in departments like operations, marketing, education, and development to understand the multifaceted work that sustains a symphony orchestra. You will assist with concert logistics, audience outreach, and educational programming while supporting special events in the Western New York community. The BPO also encourages participation in its Summer Street Team, where you get to represent the orchestra at public events and help execute marketing initiatives. The internship is volunteer-based but may qualify for academic credit.
One other option—Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source - Universal Music Group logo