10 Music Production Internships for High School Students
Music production is a multifaceted field that involves creating, recording, and refining music. It spans various roles, from producers who shape the sound of a track to sound engineers who handle the technical aspects of recording and mixing. In addition to music production, related fields like audio engineering, sound design, and mastering engineering are also integral to the process of bringing music to life. These disciplines require a blend of creative and technical skills, as professionals work with both artists and sophisticated equipment to craft the final sound.
In a field like music production, traditional classroom learning, while valuable, can only take one so far. Internships can offer hands-on experience in the world of music production and its related fields. Through these immersive experiences, aspiring professionals can gain practical skills, absorb industry knowledge, and receive mentorship that textbooks simply cannot offer.
In this blog, we’ve curated a list of 10 Music Production Internships for High School Students. These internships are your ticket into the fast-paced, innovative, and endlessly creative environment of music production, setting the stage for you to build a solid foundation for your future career.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,490 Ladder Internships offers both full and partial financial aid to around 10-20% of participants who are selected through a competitive process.
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year.
Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring.
Eligibility: High school students who are self-motivated, have strong communication skills, and are available for 5-15 hours per week can apply for the program.
Ladder Internships offers a prestigious and immersive remote internship program that provides students with practical experience in startups and non-profits across the globe. Over the course of eight weeks, participants engage in real-world projects directly with start-up founders, many of whom have been recognized in programs like YCombinator or have backgrounds at major tech companies like Microsoft and Google.
This program allows you to participate in real-world projects that align with your interests and the requirements of the host organization. By working closely with a manager and a Ladder coach, you receive tailored mentorship and guidance to support your growth. You'll also have the opportunity to develop essential professional skills through both individual and group training sessions, all aimed at enriching your experience and preparing you for future success.
Location: Purchase College, Harrison, New York
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: December 3
Dates: Begins in July, running for 6 weeks.
Eligibility: Open to high school students between the ages of 16 and 19. Parental/guardian approval is required for applicants under 18.
The NYO-USA Apprenticeship Program at Carnegie Hall provides high school students the unique opportunity to dive into the professional world of music production. As an apprentice, you will work closely with experienced professionals throughout the various stages of concert production, including rehearsals and live performances. This hands-on internship provides a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring world-class performances to the stage.
While no specific training is required, having a passion for music and some familiarity with performance or production will be helpful. Apprentices will have the opportunity to explore various areas, including sound engineering and stage management, under the mentorship of top industry professionals. By the end, you’ll gain essential knowledge that can help shape your future in music production.
Interested students are required to submit a video essay and a personal essay while applying for the program. You can learn more about their application requirements here.
3. Triangle Youth Music Internships
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Stipend: This internship is unpaid.
Application Deadline: Auditions are typically held in August.
Dates: September to May; interns are expected to work for a minimum of 4 hours each month.
Eligibility: This program is open to high school juniors and seniors
The Triangle Youth Music Musician Intern Program allows one to gain hands-on experience that blends musical performance with arts administration. Interns actively contribute to the behind-the-scenes operations that keep the program running, including tasks such as stage crew work, social media management, videography, and more. Interns also assist with concert preparations and play a vital role in supporting TYM's non-profit arts organization.
Interns must audition for and be accepted into one of TYM's orchestras or jazz ensembles before applying for the internship. Throughout the internship, you’ll gain valuable skills in organization, time management, and collaboration, which will prepare you for future roles in music or related fields. This program has an intake of 10-12 interns in each season.
Location: Durango, Colorado
Stipend/Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; no specific deadline.
Dates: Exact dates vary based on individual program arrangements.
Eligibility: High school students can apply for this program
The iAM MUSIC Internship Program removes barriers to music education by bringing quality gear, coaches, and a customized curriculum to middle and high schools at no cost. iAM Music focuses on providing access to music education, training in production, and personalized mentorship. Interns work alongside professional musicians and mentors, participating in everything from songwriting and production to event planning and live sound. You can even delve into music pedagogy if you’re interested in iAM MUSIC’s teaching approach.
Through a tailored curriculum, interns not only develop their musical and technical abilities but also learn essential skills in communication, time management, and leadership. Working with the Internship Coordinator, you’ll create a personal action plan to achieve your goals. Whether you’re interested in performance, teaching, or the technical side of music, this program can be a great way to explore the industry and refine your skills.
5. Carolina Studios Music Production Internship
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Stipend: This is an unpaid program.
Application Deadline: The deadline for application is not specified.
Dates: Program dates vary, depending on school schedules and project availability.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors are eligible for this program.
Carolina Studios offers an exciting Music Production Internship by working with high schools in Charleston, South Carolina. This program immerses you in the dynamic world of audio engineering and production. The internship provides hands-on experience with professional-grade software like Logic Pro X and gives students the opportunity to record, produce, and mix music under the guidance of industry professionals. Interns also participate in field trips to local recording studios and concert venues, offering exposure to real-world production environments.
This program emphasizes creativity, allowing students to express their ideas while learning the technical aspects of sound engineering, from live recording to mixing and mastering tracks. Interns benefit from this immersive experience by building a robust portfolio, networking with experts, and receiving personalized mentorship.
6. Sound Thinking Music Production Internship
Location: New York City, New York
Cost: Free. Selected students receive free lunch and a MetroCard for the duration of the program.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in early May.
Dates: July 8 - August 2
Eligibility: The program is open to current 9th,10th, and 11th-grade students who will be entering the 10th, 11th or 12th grade in fall
Sound Thinking NYC, a collaboration between the CUNY Creative Arts Team, the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, and NY is Music, offers an internship experience for high school students interested in music production. The program features a four-week Summer Intensive that provides hands-on training in music production, sound engineering, and audio technology. During the program, students gain firsthand experience with professional-grade software such as Pro Tools and engage in field trips to top-tier recording studios and performance venues across New York City.
As a graduate of the Summer Intensive, you gain access to further opportunities, including participation in year-round events, paid internships, and college credit courses at CUNY during your junior and senior years. In addition to technical skills, the program focuses on leadership development, with workshops designed to enhance college readiness and career preparation.
7. Boston Conservatory at Berklee High School Composition Intensive
Location: Berklee College of Music, Boston, Massachusetts
Cost: $2,132 for tuition and an optional $1,560 for housing.
Application Deadline: The applications for this program generally close in June.
Dates: July 15 - July 27
Eligibility: Students must be between 15 and 18 years of age with some foundation in music composition. Participants must possess a proficient level of English to enroll.
The Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s High School Composition Intensive is a two-week program tailored for aspiring young composers eager to refine their craft. This intensive program offers individualized lessons, workshops, and coaching from Berklee's acclaimed faculty and guest artists, helping students enhance their compositional techniques and musical creativity. By the program’s end, you will have created a portfolio of three original works, complete with professionally notated scores and recordings performed by resident ensembles.
This program offers opportunities to develop compositional skills, from quick writing techniques to effective rehearsal practices. With a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you receive personalized attention and feedback. The experience culminates in a final concert, broadcast online, which allows you to showcase your work to a global audience.
8. Pop Star: Recording Artist at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy
Location: The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (New York, NY) and AMDA College of the Performing Arts (Los Angeles, CA)
Cost: Typically around $5,965 for the residential program.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; apply early to secure a spot.
Dates: June 30 – July 14
Eligibility: This program is open to all high school students who are currently completing grades 8-12 and 14-19 years old at the time of enrollment.
The AMDA High School Summer Conservatory (On Campus) Pop Star: Recording Artist Program is a dynamic two-week experience for high school students eager to explore diverse vocal styles. Hosted at AMDA's campuses in New York City and Los Angeles, this residential program provides students with hands-on experience in vocal performance across various genres, including contemporary, jazz, gospel, R&B, and more.
Participants refine their vocal skills with professional faculty and engage in ensemble work, harmonies, and solo performances tailored to their vocal strengths. Additionally, students receive audition training and the chance to audition for AMDA College and other AMDA programs. A major highlight of the program is the opportunity to record in a professional studio, helping students build their singing reels and gain insight into the recording process. The program culminates in a final presentation for family and friends, where students showcase their newly honed skills.
9. GRAMMY Camp
Location: In 2024, it was held at the iconic Village Recording Studios, Los Angeles, California
Cost: $1,800 (covers facilities, curriculum, and lunch). Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Applications close by the end of March.
Dates: July 14 – July 20
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. residents enrolled in grades 9–12.
GRAMMY Camp is a prestigious seven-day non-residential program held each July in Los Angeles, specifically designed for high school students passionate about music. This program allows students to choose from one of eight career tracks: audio engineering, songwriting, electronic music production, vocal performance, instrumental performance, music journalism, music business, and video production. Students receive hands-on training from GRAMMY-winning professionals and industry experts, giving them valuable insights into the real-world music industry.
The program also emphasizes networking, with opportunities to connect with peers and industry leaders. GRAMMY Camp culminates in a final showcase where students present their work and creativity.
10. Berklee Aspire Summer Program
Location: Berklee College of Music, Boston, Massachusetts
Cost: $5,430 for tuition and $4,200 for housing. There is also a $50 non-refundable application fee. Scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in June.
Dates: July 5 - August 9
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 15 or above with at least six months of playing or singing experience. No formal audition is required for most tracks, though English proficiency is recommended.
The Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive at Berklee College of Music is one of the most comprehensive and immersive summer music programs globally, attracting young musicians from over 70 countries. This five-week experience allows students to refine their musical skills through one-on-one instruction, group performances, and masterclasses led by Berklee's world-renowned faculty. The program offers college credit and provides opportunities to explore music production, songwriting, and other industry aspects through elective classes.
The program covers various musical styles, including jazz, pop, rock, funk, and fusion, allowing students to tailor their experience to their individual passions and strengths. Aspire not only aims to sharpen performance skills but also to foster connections within a global network of musicians, providing a supportive environment that continues well beyond the summer.