Music Therapy Internship Program
Four Seasons Music Therapy Internship Program is a offered through AMTA. Our Music therapists provide both hospice and bereavement support for our community.
Wondering if our AMTA National Roster Internship site might be a good match for you?
- Do you love getting to know people on deeper emotional levels?
- Are you looking for an internship that will help you to grow and will be extremely rewarding?
- Want to learn about grief and loss and would love to co-facilitate a grief support group?

Ready to Apply?
Music Therapy 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 addition, interns ride along with other disciplines as they orient to their specific team and have ongoing opportunities 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. Interns 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. In addition, they are responsible for patient assessments, care plans, sessions, documentation, and participation in interdisciplinary treatment teams. Interns also 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.
What is Four Seasons?
Four Seasons is a non-profit organization providing hospice, palliative care, home care, care navigation, grief services, and clinical research throughout an 13-county area in Western North Carolina. Founded on meaningful values, innovative spirit, and expert care, we have served the WNC region for over 40 years. Our music therapy interns work primarily in Asheville, Hendersonville, and smaller communities west of Asheville.
What is the history of the Music Therapy program and internship?
Music therapy was introduced to Four Seasons in 2007. A few years later, in 2012, Four Seasons became a National Roster Internship Site. We have 6 full-time Music Therapists and one music therapist dedicated to providing additional support when needed. Our music therapists work primarily in the Hospice and Grief Services service lines. Each person admitted to our Hospice program has access to a Music therapist. Our Hospice serves individuals dealing with a variety of terminal illnesses including cancer, COPD, heart disease, and dementias. As opposed to receiving referrals from other team members, our music therapists are well integrated as core members of the IDG (Interdisciplinary Group). Our music therapists provide non-pharmacological symptom management, spiritual support, and grief support in their Hospice and Bereavement roles. Our Grief Services program provides care for both children and adults.
When does Four Seasons accept new interns?
Typically, we have two interns with us each year- one starting in January and another starting in July. Interns applying for our January internship position need to have their completed applications in by July 1st. Interns applying for our July internship position need to have their completed applications in by January 1st. We are flexible with start dates when possible.
Where is Four Seasons located?
Four Seasons is rooted in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. Our main administration building is just south of Asheville, in Flat Rock, NC. Four Seasons serves the greater Asheville area, spanning the 13 westernmost counties of NC. The WNC region has long been a sought-after location for travel and residency: the lush mountain landscapes, rich architecture, historical attractions, and unique Southern culture of the region draw in hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. We experience moderate weather year-round and four mild, distinctive seasons. The region is the ultimate playground for those who enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, or just being outdoors.
Named Lonely Planet’s Top U.S. Travel Destination in 2017, Asheville itself is a melting pot of vibrant arts, music, and cultures. The small city is home to Biltmore, known as “America’s Castle”, the famous Grove Park Inn hotel, and hundreds of unique restaurants and breweries that earned it the national title “Beer City” several years in a row. A combination of rich diversity, acceptance, and Southern hospitality have created the city’s distinct and popular culture, causing many to long to call Asheville ‘home’, even if just for a while. As tucked away in the mountains as it seems, Asheville is also very connected to the rest of the world: a growing regional airport with direct flights to many large U.S. cities and easy driving access to Charlotte, Atlanta, and Raleigh-Durham only add to Asheville’s convenient and enviable lifestyle.
Depending on when our interns start, they might be working primarily in Asheville, Hendersonville, or in the quaint, small communities west of Asheville. Whatever your interests, our region provides the perfect backdrop for a vibrant personal and professional life.
Is this a paid internship?
Yes! In fact, $2,000 is dispersed in 6 installments over the course of the internship. Interns must provide their own vehicles and proof of auto insurance. Additionally, interns will be reimbursed for mileage accrued for work related travel.
What do I need to supply during my internship?
Interns must supply their own guitar for use with patients and families. Interns may also choose to bring other instruments such as a portable piano, harp or other instrument.
Where will I live and will I have time off?
Once I've accepted an internship position, what needs to happen before I start?
A competency-based internship agreement must be initiated by academic faculty upon acceptance to the internship. It must include areas of focus (not to include group MT). This must be signed and in place within 4 weeks of the start date. The start date can be delayed if the internship agreement is not completed prior to the start date.
Upon acceptance to the internship, students will be required to complete a background check, drug screen, and TB test, as well as an employee application (this does not entitle interns to a job with Four Seasons upon completion of the internship).
Is there an orientation?
Because our interns are fully integrated into our Hospice service line, each intern goes through an extensive orientation process. We treat our interns the same as new staff. We want each intern to be fully prepared to integrate fully into our music therapy program during their time here.
What's it like to work in hospice? Is it sad?
One of the biggest misperceptions of working in Hospice is that it is always sad. Death, as we all know but rarely discuss, is a part of life. For some, end-of-life is full of sweetness and warmth as individuals process tender memories, honor the life of their loved-one and find incredible forms of strength and support within themselves and their family system. For others, end-of-life is incredibly difficult as they navigate the harsh unknown that none of us can not know until we have experienced certain types of loss. Death affects each person and each family in a unique manner. You will experience all types of emotion while working in Hospice- everything from joy to pain.
What's it like to work in Grief Services?
Our Bereavement Team is made up of Music Therapists, Social Workers, and Chaplains. We also have a program called Heart Songs that is dedicated to proving grief support for children and teenagers. Interns have the opportunity to provide grief support to children and adults, in both 1:1 and group settings. You’ll be able to work with other disciplines as you increase your knowledge about grief and loss.
Do I have to be spiritual/religious to fit in at Four Seasons?
In a word, “no.” Four Seasons is not affiliated with any certain religious belief system. We provide spiritual support that is geared toward the beliefs of our patients and families. While we lean on our unique and personal belief systems to support us as we do our work, we do not place our belief systems on others or attempt to change or influence the belief system of those we serve in any way. Four Seasons employees, volunteers and interns come to work with a wide variety of spiritual and religious belief systems. All are welcome here.
What makes Four Seasons unique?
We provide the opportunity to gain experience by working with 7 different Music Therapists as well as the chance to collaborate with other disciplines.
For more information, contact Ashley Newbrough, Music Therapy Clinical Specialist & Internship Supervisor, or at 828.692.6178