When I started my internship in July, I had no idea how fast my time as an intern would fly by. My music therapy internship at Rhythm Garden was my first taste of reality, the beginning of the rest of my career. I reflected the other day about my thoughts on music therapy. Prior to my internship, I spent four years studying music theory, music psychology, anatomy, aural skills, clinical skills, improvisation, counseling, and still felt shaky in my music therapy skills. Being able to have the hands-on experience of internship has truly solidified my skills and my confidence in becoming a future clinician.
I want to say thank you to the best teachers—the individuals I worked with throughout my time as an intern. Everyone I met and worked with taught me so many valuable lessons that I will cherish and hold with me throughout my music therapy career. Whether it be likes and dislikes, writing songs, jamming out, sharing songs, or creating new games, I am so grateful for those lessons. Doing an internship during a global pandemic was very much less than ideal. There are some people I have only met through a computer screen! Though, it has prepared me for anything, and I feel much more confident in my abilities to adapt to any challenge.
One thing remains through all these changes. The music. The music hasn’t stopped, regardless of external forces. Music was still made, connections were established, and the memories will last forever. I know now more than ever that I was meant to be doing with my life.
-Olivia Wendel
