Music Therapy Internship Application

Dear Applicant,

 

Thank you for your interest in the Music Therapy Internship Program at Able ARTS Work. Read through each section carefully and complete this application to be considered for the internship. 

 

Qualifications to Apply:

• Must be enrolled in a Music Therapy program at an AMTA-accredited college
• Must be eligible for an internship (verified through the Letter of Eligibility)

 

Required Documents:

• Two forms of Evaluation of Student Competencies Form 
• Official College Transcripts
• A Letter of Eligibility
• Two Letters of Recommendation 
• A Session Plan
• A Video Recording of your favorite song

 

 

 

Accepting applications for July and September 2026.

Interviews will begin after all application items are received.

Applications for the July 2026 placement are due April 17, 2026

Applications for the September 2026 placements are due June 12, 2026.

In-person interviews are highly encouraged.

 

 

*You may "SAVE" your application process and submit it during the submission period.  

 

 

 

 

If you have any questions, please reach out to musictherapy@ableartswork.org

For more information about Able ARTS Work, please visit our website.  

Sincerely,

Helen Dolas, MS, MT-BC

CEO/Founder of Able ARTS Work

Introduction

Able ARTS Work is a private non-profit organization established in 1982. Able ARTS Work is dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals who have disabilities, so they may acquire their highest levels of competence, confidence, and achievement. Able ARTS Work currently provides services in the Southern California area for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Able ARTS Work practices the person-centered humanistic approach in the creative arts to teach a wide variety of skills including educational skills, communication, community inclusion, psycho/emotional development, appropriate social behavior, and basic life skills.

 

It is the belief of Able ARTS Work that an individual, provided with a loving, receptive environment, where creative expression is focused into a viable artistic channel, can have unlimited potential to learn and grow. The creative arts are very motivating and rewarding. Individuals who have difficulty communicating through traditional means (speaking and writing) often find freedom in using the creative arts (drawing, singing, acting, dancing) as their communication tool. As individuals become more accustomed to expressing themselves through the fine arts, their self-esteem and confidence increase, allowing them to view themselves as successful members of society.

 

Able ARTS Work currently operates day programs, art galleries, community workshops, inclusive standards-based arts education workshops (online and in-person), and therapeutic in-home services to individuals with various abilities. 

 

Day Programs are located in Long Beach, Hawthorne, and San Diego. All sites are designed to meet the creative, developmental, and social needs of adults with various levels of cognitive ability and physical disabilities. All programs provide a therapeutic, secure, and nurturing environment where individual goals and objectives are assessed through a creative arts therapy curriculum. Services extend beyond the day program to provide ample opportunities for community inclusion through outreach services.

 

MISSION

The primary mission of Able ARTS Work is to provide lifelong learning, community service, and vocational opportunities through the creative arts for people of all abilities and all ages in an environment of warmth, encouragement, and inclusion. Able ARTS Work provides unique development opportunities to all participating staff, students, and partnering community members, together we grow.

 

CORE VALUES

Love, Partnership, Creativity, Opportunity, Progressive, Integrity, Stewardship, Ability

We value the person first.
We value sharing experiences, building community, and forging an inclusive society.
We value the creative arts as a vital tool to liberate and transform lives.
Through acceptance, encouragement, and empowerment, we provide unique opportunities for growth and self-expression.
We are dedicated to always moving forward to best serve the needs of our community and to break down barriers of stigma.
We celebrate and support unique ability and contribution
We are honest and ethical in our leadership, influence, and service delivery
We are committed to respectfully managing our resources.

 

BELIEFS

We believe all people…

…regardless of functional capability, have a right and responsibility, to contribute to the well-being of their community and have a vocation of their choosing.

…should have access to an informed and supportive community, which must play a vital role in removing the barriers to full involvement and inclusion.

…should have access to the expressive arts in vocation, education, leisure, health, and wellness.

…have the right to express and practice their cultural and artistic heritage.

We believe all people regardless of functional capability should be treated with dignity and respect, thus our philosophy and vision...

 

Love Before Learning, Learn for Life

Please attach or email the following items: 

Items 2-4 can be attached here or emailed to musictherapy@ableartswork.org

 

1. Two copies of Evaluation of Student Competencies to be filled out by:
   1. Applicant's Academic MT Program Director 
   2. Applicant's Music Therapy Professor or Supervisor
2. Official College Transcripts
3. Two Letters of Recommendation from the following:
   1. Applicant's Academic MT Program Director/Professor
   2. Applicant's current or previous Practicum Supervisor
4. A Letter of Eligibility: A letter from the Music Therapy Faculty (i.e., Director of the MT program) stating that the applicant has completed all coursework requirements and is ready for a music therapy internship. 
5. Session Plan* A previously written for a music therapy session (*When submitting documentation completed from previous practicum placements, please follow all HIPAA and confidentiality protocols.)
6. A Video Recording: A video recording of the applicant playing a song most comfortable on guitar. 

 

 

If any of the above items are not completed in full, the application will not be considered. If you have any issues with the application, please reach out to musictherapy@ableartswork.org. 

For any additional files, please email it to musictherapy@ableartswork.com