The Internship Program at the National Music Museum (NMM) on the campus of The University of South Dakota (USD) offers a wide variety of learning experiences in a museum setting that includes broad-based collections of more than 14,500 American, European, and ethnographic musical instruments from around the world, dating from the 16th century to the present. The NMM also includes a specialized library and related archive, a sound recording archive, and a conservation laboratory.

Within this setting, the NMM Internship Program provides substantive opportunities for students to gain practical museum experience, while helping them to develop new or expanded uses for their academic and/or professional interests.

The NMM Internship Program offers a hands-on introduction to the museum profession in a way that cannot be duplicated in the classroom or by reading books. These experiences often result in the development of graduate theses or dissertations, help students define their career goals, and bring an understanding of professional ethics and practices in museums as workplace environments.

More specifically, NMM internships provide practical museum opportunites for students interested not only in music history and performance, but also in the development of the design and construction of musical instruments and the history of the music industry as it has evolved around the world, as well as such related fields as American studies, anthropology, art and art history, cultural history, ethnology, geography, marketing, Plains Indian culture, and museum-specific work in collections management, education, exhibiting, photography, publications, technology, and so on.

Internships are full-time positions, usually 12-14 weeks in length. Interns receive a stipend of $7.25 per hour, with a typical work schedule of approximately 37 hours a week. Living expenses are generally less than those that one would expect in most other areas of the country. Housing is the responsibility of the intern, but housing, either in USD dormitories or in the private sector, is relatively easy to find, particularly during the summer months.

Vermillion, the home of The University of South Dakota and the National Music Museum, is a typical small Midwestern town of 10,000 people, located on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River valley, where the Lewis & Clark Expedition camped in August 1804 on its way west to the Pacific. Everything is within walking distance. Residents, students, and visitors alike delight in the clean, fresh air, marvel at the splendid sunsets, walk safely at night along tree-lined streets, and interact in the friendly, informal way typical of life on the Great Plains.

Applications require an essay that details the applicant's background and reasons for wanting to do an internship at the NMM, a resumé, three (3) letters of reference, and a current transcript. Applicants may be asked for additional information and/or to participate in an interview.

Early application is encouraged. For more information, contact: Margaret Downie Banks, Ph.D. National Music Museum The University of South Dakota 414 E. Clark Street Vermillion, SD 57069 Email:  Margaret.Banks@usd.edu Phone:  605-677-5306

General Qualification Requirements for All Internships: A strong interest in museum work Excellent communication and writing skills Excellent organizational skills Excellent time management skills Ability to comprehend, follow, and complete detailed oral and/or written instructions Meticulous attention to detail Good motor coordination and ability to handle museum objects in a safe manner Self-motivated, able to work independently Background and interest in music and musical instruments Excellent typing skills Ability to work with IBM-compatible personal computers Fluency with Microsoft Office Professional Word software Some knowledge of and/or exposure to Microsoft Access and Excel software

Types of Internships:

Link to Types of Internships Available

Time Commitment:

Although the specific length and scheduling of internships is flexible, the NMM requires a minimum time commitment of 12-14 weeks. Internships of 6, 9, and 12 months are also available. Interns are required to work full-time (approximately 37 hours per week). Occasional weekend work may also be assigned.

Academic Credit:

Internships can also be taken for academic credit.

Application Process:

Complete the internship application (available online in PDF format) and return it with a cover letter; three (3) letters of recommendation from people who can assess the applicant's background, skills, and capabilities for the desired internship; a resumé; an essay of no more than 500 words describing the candidate's interest in the internship program, skills that would contribute to the internship, and career goals; and, academic transcripts (for applicants currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, an academic program).

Application deadlines: Applications for summer internships:  March 1 Applications for fall internships:  June 1 Applications for spring internships:  October 1 Applications for other time periods (6, 9, or 12 months) will be accepted at any time.

National Music Museum
The University of South Dakota
414 East Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069

©National Music Museum, 2007-2009
Most recent update: August 21, 2009

The University of South Dakota
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