8 Music Production Internships for High School Students
If you're a high school student with a passion for music production, audio engineering, sound design, or music technology, this blog is for you. We’ve compiled a list of internships that will immerse you in the dynamic world of music production, offering a hands-on experience that goes beyond the classroom.
Participating in an internship during high school can provide you with valuable insight into a field you’re interested in. It’s an opportunity to build practical skills, learn from industry professionals, and determine if a career in music production is right for you. These internships also enhance your resume and college applications, showing admission officers that you’re motivated and willing to explore your passion outside of the school curriculum.
Here are 8 of the best music production internships you can consider as a high school student.
The Real School of Music offers paid internships for high school students through its RealJams program, focusing on Bands, Musical Theatre, or Audio Production. Depending on your chosen area, you'll work alongside a Real School instructor, assisting them in band rehearsals or musical production. During the internship, you'll rehearse with other students and help with setup and production, gaining practical skills and insight into the realities of music production for stage performances. This internship is ideal if you're looking to gain experience in musical show production and instruction.
Location: Andover, MA | Burlington, NJ | Derry, NH
Program Dates: The exact dates for summer internships may vary from location to location, but are typically held between May-August
Cost: No cost, students will be paid $15/hour
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and above
Application Deadline: Applications for summer opportunities typically close in April. Fall and winter sessions are also offered
The Music Production Boot Camp is an excellent opportunity for high school students interested in audio design, music creation, and studio production to work alongside professionals. The program offers a structured curriculum for both beginners and those with some experience looking to enhance their skills. You'll learn essential techniques, including in-depth audio software use, game and 3D sound design, and shadowing professionals during live studio sessions. You'll also have the chance to network and collaborate with peers on music production projects, live studio sessions, and more in a creative and supportive environment.
Location: Ball State University, Muncie, IN
Program Dates: June 22 – 29, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Cost: $1,478 (for the week-long program and leadership summit with residency)
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 and above
Application Deadline: Rolling basis, according to availability
Carnegie Hall offers apprenticeships to students in the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA) to explore key aspects of the orchestral field beyond just playing an instrument. These 6-week roles provide a behind-the-scenes look at the orchestra, requiring an interest in orchestral music and strong communication skills. You can apply as a musician, library apprentice, management apprentice, or composer, and you'll be mentored by experienced musicians and team members within the ensemble. As an apprentice, you'll work alongside professional orchestral musicians behind the scenes and travel with the team.
Location: Purchase College, SUNY, NY
Program Dates: Mid-July to mid-August, typically
Cost: No cost to attend. There is a $30 application fee
Eligibility: Students aged 16-19 who are U.S. citizens or green card holders
Application Deadline: For the 2025 cohort, applications will open in September
The Triangle Youth Musician Intern Program offers hands-on experience in various aspects of music. You'll assist with rehearsals, concert preparations, and performances while handling administrative tasks to support the program's operations. Throughout the internship, you'll develop valuable skills in organization, time management, and collaboration, preparing you for future roles in music or related fields. The program accepts 10-12 interns each season.
Location: Raleigh, NC
Program Dates: September to May; interns are expected to work for a minimum of 4 hours each month
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: Auditions are typically held in August
The iAM MUSIC Internship Program provides quality gear, coaching, and a tailored curriculum to middle and high schoolers. You'll gain hands-on experience in various aspects of the music industry, including theory, songwriting, production, live sound, marketing, event production, and even music pedagogy if you're interested in iAM MUSIC’s teaching methods. By the end of the internship, you'll have gained valuable experience, boosted your confidence and communication skills, and developed a clearer sense of your identity as a future musician or music industry professional.
Location: Durango, CT
Program Dates: N/A
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students
Application Deadline: Applications are currently open, the deadline is not specified
Sound Thinking NYC offers a solid internship experience for high school students interested in music production. The program includes a four-week Summer Intensive, providing hands-on training in music production and field trips to prominent venues and studios. As a Summer Intensive graduate, you'll have access to additional opportunities, such as participation in year-round events, paid internships, and college credit courses at CUNY during your junior and senior years.
Location: New York City, NY
Program Dates: July 8 – August 2, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Cost: Free, lunch and MetroCard provided
Eligibility: Current 9th,10th, and 11th-grade students
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in early May
The 5-week music performance intensive summer program at Berklee College of Music is an opportunity for budding musicians to develop and refine their skills. Although not a traditional internship, this program will allow you to build music production skills. You'll earn college credit while working on every aspect of musical performance, from instrumental technique and vocals to production, stage presence, and improvisation.
The program includes weekly private sessions with expert instructors and the chance to learn from some of the world’s top performers and educators in the music industry. The curriculum covers subjects like musicianship, production, music business, and music therapy. The program concludes with final-week concerts, where you'll perform in front of classmates, instructors, family, and friends.
Location: Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA
Program Dates: July 5 – August 8, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Cost: $5,430 for tuition and $4,200 for housing. There is also a $50 non-refundable application fee. Scholarships are available
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 or above with at least six months of playing or singing experience
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in June
Carnegie Mellon University's Summer Music Pre-College offers a flexible program where you can choose from a wide range of courses and electives. This program is also not a traditional internship, but the wide range of courses available means you can choose those that will refine your music production skills. Core classes include music theory, solfège (sight-singing), Dalcroze Eurhythmics, and performing ensembles.
The program also features a concert choir, a music history seminar, convocation events with performances by professional groups, admissions sessions, and Q&A opportunities with faculty and current students. Electives are available in areas like minor studios, music technology, jazz studies, and recording techniques. The program culminates in Concert Week, a festival-style series of performances where you can showcase your talents across various disciplines.
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Program Dates: June 24 – August 2, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Cost: $10,866. Financial aid available for domestic students
Eligibility: To participate in the full-time program, students must be:
At least 16 years old by the program start date
Sophomore or junior in high school at the time of application submission
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also 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 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form 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 PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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