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Music Programming Internship Jobs in Washington, DC

... paced live music environment. Essential abilities include communication skills, execution and ... S. and Preakness InField Fest and programming and producing the Sweetlife Festival, the principals ...

... engineers, attorneys, music supervisors, composers/arrangers, managers, agents, social media and record labelexecutivesand many others. Our paid Internship Program offers a unique opportunity for ...

Music Programming Internship information

See Washington, DC salary details

$15

$28

$43

How much do music programming internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for music programming internship in Washington, DC is $28.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.41 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a music programming internship?

A Music Programming Internship is a temporary position, often for students or recent graduates, where individuals gain hands-on experience in curating, organizing, and scheduling music for radio stations, streaming platforms, or music venues. Interns often assist with playlist creation, researching music trends, and supporting the programming team with administrative and creative tasks. This role provides valuable exposure to the music industry, helping interns build skills in music selection, data analysis, and understanding audience preferences. It can also be a stepping stone to careers in radio, streaming services, or music supervision.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during a music programming internship?

As a Music Programming Intern, you'll typically assist with curating playlists, researching music trends, and analyzing listener data to help shape programming decisions. You may also help manage digital music libraries, support the scheduling of music for broadcasts or streaming platforms, and collaborate with DJs, producers, or editorial teams. This role often provides hands-on experience with industry-standard software and tools, offering valuable exposure to the operational side of music media. Expect to work both independently and in collaboration with creative teams, gaining insights into how music selections impact audience engagement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a music programming intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Music Programming Intern, you need a foundational understanding of music theory, strong research skills, and a passion for diverse music genres, often supported by coursework or experience in music or media. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs), playlist curation platforms, and spreadsheet software is typically expected. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication help interns contribute fresh ideas and collaborate on programming decisions. These skills and qualities are crucial for curating compelling music experiences and supporting the goals of music programming teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Music Programming jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Music Programming jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Music Programming Internship jobs in Washington, DC?

For Music Programming Internship jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Music Programming Internship jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Music Programming Internship jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Music Programming Internship job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,877 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Communications Internship

I.M.P.

Washington, DC

$18.50/hr

Internship

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

I.M.P. is seeking detail-oriented candidates who are interested in working and independently problem-solving in a fast-paced live music environment. Essential abilities include communication skills, execution and enforcement of policies, real-time logistics management, journalistic writing and editing skills, and experience with research study. The ideal candidate will possess enthusiasm, determination, logic and a desire to work in a live / immediate environment that requires multitasking.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Supervise media and photographers onsite at The Anthem, Merriweather Post Pavilion and other key I.M.P. shows (must be able/willing to travel).Assist in the effort to gain positive attention for I.M.P. and its events.
  • Update and maintain I.M.P.s Media List and Photography Catalog.
  • Edit news releases and other media materials.
  • Conduct research as necessary.
  • Monitor media coverage.

Availability and interest in working shows at The Anthem and Merriweather Post Pavilion is mandatory, as a member of the Communications Department must be on-site for all shows at these venues. There will be roughly 40 shows at The Anthem and Merriweather each semester that require our assistance therefore the position requires availability and attendance for at least 30 of them (this number decreases as the number of interns available to share the burden increases). This breaks down to roughly two shows per week, though some weeks may have three, and others may have one, etc. Additional office work (research, cataloguing, writing, editing, etc.) should also be roughly 4 hours/week.

Experience with concert photography preferred, but not necessary, as coverage opportunities may arise.

I.M.P. offers three rounds of seasonal internships each year:
Spring Semester (January April)
Summer Semester (May August)
Fall/Winter Semester (September December)

About I.M.P.

Formed in 1980, I.M.P. is a Bethesda, Md.-based independent concert promoter and event production company. In addition to launching the Virgin Festival in the U.S. and Preakness InField Fest and programming and producing the Sweetlife Festival, the principals at I.M.P. own Washington D.C.'s legendary 9:30 Club, named the Top Club by Rolling Stone, Billboard and Pollstar, renowned as the premier place to see and hear cutting-edge live music of all varieties. I.M.P. also programs and operates Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Md. and the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C. The Anthem is the companys new 2,500 - 6,000 person capacity venue, which opened October of 2017 on the Southwest Waterfront in Washington, D.C. Over the last 41 years, I.M.P. has put on over 20,000 events, hosting millions of music fans.