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Music Business Internships: Information for Students

“I gained knowledge through interaction and observation how a small indie label runs. Now I can take that knowledge and apply it to how I want to run my own label.”

Students in Music Business are required to complete internships during their program. Graduate (MA) students start to intern in their second semester, and eligible undergraduate (BM) students can intern as early as their sophomore year. Internships are an essential part of the Music Business Program because in addition to providing valuable hands-on experience that enhances our curriculum, students establish a network of professional contacts that may lead to permanent employment. Music Business students often intern for, and are mentored by, alumni of the program. 

Current internships include placements at technology and digital companies; publicity, branding, and marketing firms; music publishers; performance venues; music broadcasting organizations; music producers and music providers to film and television; record companies; talent management companies and booking agencies; and festival, venue, concert, and event promoters.

Undergraduates who study abroad for a semester may be able to intern in their abroad locations through a third party (as elective credit, not fulfilling the program requirement). For more information on student internships, Music Business majors should refer to the Internship Manual for full details.

What NYU Steinhardt Music Business students are saying about their internship experiences:

  • “I gained knowledge through interaction and observation how a small indie label runs. Now I can take that knowledge and apply it to how I want to run my own label.”
  • “I got real life, hands-on experience in all aspects of the company. I've spoken with everyone from artists to managers to producers to lawyers and have been included in almost everything that has gone on around me.”
  • “The most rewarding aspect of my internship was to start working and realize I have learned a lot during my time in the Music Business Program. I felt at ease during office meetings and knew that I can contribute to the conversation and the work. I realized I know more than most people in the company about music business related issues.”
  • “The knowledge from my classes in Music Publishing, Music in the Media Business, Business Structure, and Music Theory were extremely applicable. My textbooks, including those from Artist Management and Management Science, were useful.”