5 Practical Tips for Finding Music Production Internships

Published on 1 August 2023 6 min read

Build a strong portfolio
Network with industry professionals
Apply to music production internships
Prepare for the interview
Follow up after the interview

So, you're passionate about music and want to dive headfirst into the industry. But you're wondering, "how to find music production internships?" Don't fret. Here's a practical guide with five simple steps to help you land the internship of your dreams in music production. Let's start with the first step: building a strong portfolio.

Build a strong portfolio

Just as a picture paints a thousand words, your portfolio sings your praises in the music industry. It's your career's greatest hits album, showcasing your skills, talents, and achievements. Here's how you can build a portfolio that will strike a chord with potential employers.

Showcase Your Best Work

Think of your portfolio as your personal stage, where you get to perform your best work. Include any songs or tracks you've produced, mixed, or mastered. Remember, you're trying to impress, so choose pieces that demonstrate your range and versatility. Here's a quick tip: don't shy away from including works-in-progress. They show your creative process and how you approach challenges.

Make It User-Friendly

How you present your portfolio can be just as important as what's inside. A user-friendly design can make it easier for people to explore your work. Consider organizing your projects by category, such as genre or role (producer, mixer, etc.). And remember, simplicity is key. Make it easy for people to play your tracks, read about your projects, and get in touch with you.

Keep It Updated

Don't let your portfolio gather virtual dust. Regularly update it with your latest projects. This shows potential employers that you're active, improving, and passionate about what you do. Plus, it gives you a great excuse to reach out to old contacts and say, "Hey, I've updated my portfolio. Check it out!"

Building a strong portfolio is your first step in finding a music production internship. It's like a backstage pass to your career, letting potential employers see your talent, dedication, and potential. So take the time to make it shine. After all, it's not just about how to find music production internships—it's about how to land them, too.

Network with industry professionals

Let's move onto the next step—networking with industry professionals. Networking might seem like a fancy word for chatting, but it's so much more. It's about making genuine connections with people in the music industry. Here's how you can do it effectively.

Attend Music Industry Events

Music industry events, like conferences, meetups, or seminars, offer great opportunities to meet industry professionals. At these events, you can learn about the latest trends, get advice, and even meet potential employers. Remember, don't just go to these events to hand out business cards; go to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful conversations. That's how you build connections that last.

Join Online Communities

Don't worry if you can't make it to every industry event—there's a whole world of networking opportunities online. Join music production forums, Facebook groups, or LinkedIn communities. Here, you can ask questions, share your work, and get constructive feedback from professionals all over the world. Just remember to be respectful, supportive, and active. Online communities thrive on mutual give-and-take.

Reach Out Directly

Do you admire a music producer's work? Don't be afraid to reach out to them directly. Send a polite email or LinkedIn message expressing your admiration for their work and ask if they'd be open to sharing some advice. You'd be surprised how many professionals are willing to help newcomers. Just remember to be respectful of their time and express genuine interest in their work.

Networking is a vital step in finding music production internships. It's like a live concert—you have to show up, engage with the crowd, and leave a lasting impression. So go ahead, introduce yourself to the music industry. Who knows, the next person you meet could be the key to your dream internship.

Apply to music production internships

Now that you've built a solid portfolio and made some great connections, it's time to take the next step—applying to music production internships. This can seem a bit daunting, but with the right approach, you can stand out from the crowd. Here's how.

Find the Right Opportunities

Start by looking for internships that align with your career goals. Want to work in a recording studio? Look for internships there. More interested in the business side of music? Consider internships at record labels or music management companies. There are many ways to search for these opportunities, including internship websites, music industry job boards, and even the career pages of companies you're interested in.

Customize Your Applications

Let's be honest, copying and pasting the same cover letter to every application won't get you far. Instead, take the time to customize your application for each internship. Highlight the skills and experiences that make you a great fit for the specific role. Remember, it's not just about what you want to learn—it's also about what you can bring to the table.

Proofread Everything

Before you hit the submit button, make sure to proofread everything. Look for any typos or grammatical errors in your resume and cover letter. These little mistakes can leave a big impression, and not in a good way. If possible, ask a friend or mentor to review your application—they might catch something you missed.

Applying to music production internships can feel like a big hurdle, but remember, every application is a learning opportunity. So, don't be discouraged by rejections. Instead, use them as motivation to refine your approach and keep moving forward. After all, the perfect internship could be just one application away.

Prepare for the interview

Look at you, scoring an interview for a music production internship! This is a pivotal moment and preparing well can make all the difference. Here's how to nail it.

Research the Company

First things first, get to know the company. What kind of music do they produce? What's their mission? Knowing these details shows you're genuinely interested and not just looking for any internship. Plus, it can help you answer any questions about why you want to intern with them specifically.

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you're well-versed in your own skills and experiences. Be ready to discuss your portfolio, your love for music production, and how you can contribute to the team. Remember, they want to know what you can do for them, not just what they can do for you.

Practice Common Interview Questions

While you can't predict every question, you can prepare for common ones. Questions like "Why do you want this internship?" or "Tell me about a time when you solved a problem" are likely to come up. Practice your answers beforehand, making sure to highlight relevant skills and experiences.

Prepare Questions of Your Own

Finally, don't forget to prepare some questions of your own. This shows you're serious about the internship and gives you a chance to see if it's the right fit for you. You might ask about the team you'll be working with, what a typical day looks like, or how success is measured for the internship.

Remember, interviews are not just about proving you're the best fit for the company—they're also about making sure the company is the right fit for you. So, go in with an open mind and don't forget to let your passion for music production shine through.

Follow up after the interview

Well done! You've just finished your music production internship interview. But hold on, your work isn't over yet. The follow-up is just as important as the interview itself. So, how should you handle it? Let's find out.

Send a Thank You Note

Start with a simple 'thank you'. Send a note or an email to the interviewer expressing your gratitude for the opportunity. It's a small gesture but it keeps you fresh in their mind and shows your appreciation for their time. Keep it brief and professional.

If during the interview, you promised to send along extra information or samples of your work, now's the time to do it. This not only shows that you're reliable and follow through on your word, but also gives them more to consider when making their decision.

Stay Patient

After you've followed up, it's time to wait. No need to panic if you don't hear back right away. These things can take time. However, if a couple of weeks pass with no word, it's okay to send a polite email asking for an update. It shows your continued interest in the internship.

Following up is a key part of how to find music production internships, so don't skip this step. It's all about showing your professionalism, enthusiasm, and attention to detail - all qualities that can set you apart in the competitive world of music production. Good luck!

If you're looking to expand your horizons in the music industry and want to learn more about finding opportunities in film, check out the workshop 'Indie Film Composing: Finding Filmmakers' by Daisy Coole. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and strategies on how to connect with filmmakers and make your mark in the world of music production for film.