Texas Music Office Internship Program

The Texas Music Office offers internships every four months to four students. Since opening in January 1990, 213 students from 23 colleges successfully completed the TMO's internship program.

Dates and Deadlines

Spring: Jan. 15 - May 3; Deadline: November 15
Summer: June 1 - August 31; Deadline: May 1
Fall: September 1- December 20; Deadline August 15

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to:
Casey Monahan, Director
Texas Music Office, Governor's Office
P.O. Box 13246
Austin, TX 78711
(512) 463-6666
Fax (512) 463-4114.
You may also e-mail your resume and cover letter to: music [at] governor.state.tx.us.

Your cover letter should include an explanation of why you want to intern at the TMO, and why you are qualified to do so.

Please do not include any attachments; copy and paste your cover letter and resume into your email application.

Please call or email if you have any questions.

**TMO fellowships often qualify for college credit with instructor approval**

Program Description

The fellowship program of the Texas Music Office (TMO) in the Office of the Governor offers college students the opportunity to develop a working knowledge of the music industry. The TMO seeks students with excellent communication skills who want to learn how the music industry works, and who want to contribute to the TMO's research, publishing and marketing efforts.

TMO fellowship recipients are required to work at least 10 (and as many as 30) hours each week researching and marketing Texas music businesses, events and talent. Responsibilities include: interviewing Texas music businesses owners; developing business statements based on these interviews; inputting information into the TMO's databases using FileMaker Pro 5.0 software; responding to information requests from industry professionals and the general public; and researching Texas music on the web. Interns also assist TMO staff with administrative duties approximately 35 percent of the time. TMO fellowships are on a volunteer basis; interns do not receive any financial, housing, or transportation compensation or assistance.

The Texas Music Office is the information clearinghouse for the Texas music industry, and is the sister office to the Texas Film Commission. Annual TMO publications include the online Texas Music Industry Directory, the Texas Music Events Calendar, the Texas Recording and Production Guide, the Texas Music Education Primer, the Texas Music International Tip Sheet, the Texas Talent Register, and the Texas Music Bibliography. Fellowship recipients work closely with the TMO staff in assisting with these publications, and your work is credited in perpetuity on the TMO website EnjoyTexasMusic.com.

Getting started in the Texas music business isn't easy. TMO fellowships are an excellent way to become aware of important professional contacts who make music their business.

To apply, mail or fax your resume and cover letter by above semester deadline to:

Casey Monahan, Director
Texas Music Office, Governor's Office
P.O. Box 13246
Austin, TX 78711
(512) 463-6666
Fax (512) 463-4114

You may also e-mail your resume and cover letter to: music [at] governor.state.tx.us.

Please call or email if you have any questions.

TMO internship graduates

Interns usually work 12 - 20 hours each week at the TMO.
Since the program began, TMO interns have volunteered a total of more than 68,000 hours assisting Texas music industry professionals.

Summer 2009 TMO fellowship interns (from left to right): Jefferson Fisher, Lauren Elzner, Noelle Hernandez, Maya Valerie, Kristin Adams; Legal Fellowship Interns: Emily Burrows, Austin Hegarty.

Colleges participating in TMO internship program

Austin Community College (7)
Baylor University
Berklee College of Music (2)
Boston College
Cornell University
Elizabethtown College
Huston-Tillotson College (2)
New York University
Southwestern University (8)
St. Edward's University (6)
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University at Kingsville
Texas State University - San Marcos (14)
Tulane University
Universita Commerciale Luigi Bocconi, Milan, Italy
University of Alabama
University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Oklahoma
University of Southampton, UK
University of Texas at Arlington
University of Texas at Austin (161)
University of the Incarnate Word
Vanderbilt University (2)

TMO interns were majors in the following fields of study:

Places that TMO interns have worked:

TMO internship graduates have gone on to such diverse endeavors as rhythm guitarist for Lauryn Hill to Director of Interactive Publicity and Promotions for a major Hollywood film production company.

Here are a few places where former TMO interns work:

Others went on to pursue graduate degrees from the following colleges:
Boston College, Harvard University, Texas Woman's University, UT-Austin School of Law, UT Sports Management, Loyola University, New York University School of Law, University of Dallas Graduate School of Management, University of Houston Law Center, Carnegie Mellon, Indiana University, and Hofstra University School of Law.

Read what former TMO interns write about the most helpful things they learned during their internships:

Research and data entry skills. I can find out anything using directory assistance and now online. Also was educated on all the resources there are for people interested in getting involved in the music industry in Texas. - Wendy Rutherford

How to do internet research and track leads via the internet. - Brook Lester

I learned a lot about digital networking between businesses and musicians, and how important it is to keep track of even the smallest changes, innovation and accuracy. - Alina Fedorova

Put yourself in the shoes of the person you are dealing with. - Paul Ellul

I definitely learned how to feel completely comfortable while talking to complete and total strangers because of all the phone calls I had to make. I think this is a great skill; while on Warped Tour I didn't think twice about striking up conversations with several musicians who avoided the press like a plague. I even managed to interview a few of those musicians. - Stacey Faulkner

It helped to have to make tons of cold calls to update the artist files; I lost a lot of insecurities and became more confident on the phone. - Ashleigh Retzloff

I learned that keeping lists is crucial for individuals dealing in the music business. Texas is not known to be the music capital of the world like New York or LA, so it is important to keep all information dealing with music organized so that musicians have references and contacts to work with. TMO taught me to be organized and to BE the reference for music lovers. - Rishi Goswami

Casey's Golden Rule....it applies to everything...all types of work and even non-work relationships. The small details really can make a difference in showing how much you care (and this always gets favorable responses in interviews too!). - Megan Peters

I learned a lot of things - to always keep up with current events in the industry; conduct research thoroughly and, of course, act professionally. From Casey I also learned about good posture and how to shake a hand like a real Texan should! The phone skills training was fun, too! - Lisa Levine

I learned about Music Therapy, which I had never heard of before. Also, I am able to provide information for my husband who is pursuing a career as a singer/songwriter, about management, promotion, etc. - Shea Ingram

The most important thing I learned was to put myself in the shoes of other people in general and in the music industry specifically. - Doug Day

Since leaving the TMO, I've become extremely attentive to details in documents. I also have a greater amount of appreciation for music that I never listened to in the past. - Wale Junaid

One thing that most of the jobs I have applied to require is strong phone skills. At the TMO I was a little shy at first on the phone calling so many different types of people in the music industry. After being there for a while it got easier, and I got better at it. I just finished a project at EnviroMedia where I had to call more than 100 minority publications for their advertising rates and information. Having already become comfortable on the phone at the TMO, this assignment went really smoothly for me. Also, in my interviews, a lot of employers are happy to know I have so much experience on the phone communicating with a wide range of people. - Jill Kreindler

How best to best deal with people, not only in the music industry but in general. - Kristin Webb

The importance of communication skills. The experience I gained at the TMO of speaking to music businesses and acts will be extremely important a career within the music industry. - Louisa Rainbird

Casey taught me to speak to the needs or wants of the person who you are talking to, and to be considerate to their situation. Very helpful in booking shows. Also, I learned how to use the resources that the TMO offers. - Lauren Gurigolo

Learning to think critically and resourcefully truly began during my TMO internship. Researching and using the internet and phone book resources heightened my abilities greatly and continue to elevate my proficiencies. - Rachel Luck

Overall general knowledge of the Texas music industry - Christina Saavedra

Better multi-tasking skills; telephone etiquette; database research. - Madhurita Sengupta

How to use the phone effectively. I really learned the importance of networking and the complicated nature of the music industry. Because of my TMO internship I became very interested in the aspects of copyright within the industry, which led to my graduate work. (Plus, it was easier to delve into the copyright conundrum with my aforementioned knowledge.) - Sydney Veeder

I got to see how many different types of jobs there are in the music industry. - Anna Bobkowska

The most helpful thing that I learned as a TMO Intern was how to pick up the phone and talk to someone I didn't know, while trying to make them understand how I could help them. I would advise current and future TMO interns to go to the most networking events that they can and to take advantage of the many networking opportunities available during the internship. You never know where your next internship or job offer will come from - Anastasia Fawcett

I actually just got hired as the full-time Assistant Buyer for the UT Golf Club in Steiner Ranch. It's not music business related, but all of the discipline that I learned while at the music office helped so much -- I would say this was the most important thing I took from the internship, and one of the most important things that can be taken from any internship. - Kelly Gillmore

I work at the Capstone 90.7, the radio station for the University of Alabama. I was a playlist DJ for a year, I have had my own specialty show "Rock 'n' Roll Tide for two years, and next year I will be music director. My TMO internship was the best experience of my life. I learned amazing things about the music industry, the industry that I want to work in. But at the same time, I learned a lot of lessons about life in general. I think about Casey's most important rule, to treat others as you would yourself, everyday. I also made friendships that will last the rest of my life. - Jenny Smith

I felt like whenever I did extra side projects with Casey I learned the most information about the music industry. Anytime you are helping Casey or Steve individually with a project take the opportunity to ask questions and inhance your music industry knowledge. They're a great resource! Stay current with music industry news! Also, working in the music industry seems to be a tough niche to get into so don't get discouraged if a music industry job doesn't fall in your lap. Keep trying and stay passionate about it. I thought my internship expreience was great...probably because I worked during the semester of SXSW - Alexis Allo

I think the most helpful thing I learned during my internship was more that I adopted a new way of thinking, than an actual lesson. I find myself daily recognizing the need to put myself in other people's shoes. It's something that everyone is taught to do, but the internship put me in a position where I needed to practice this every day, and it has now become second nature. Intern everywhere you possibly can, and keep your options open. You can learn so many things by simply volunteering at The Music Office for a day or attending a free concert and starting a conversation with the sound guy. Immerse yourself in every possible aspect of the music business, and opportunities will present themself to you. - Christina Brehm

"I learned that I can have passion in what I do everyday. I can enjoy my job and that not every 9 to 5 (employer) is the devil or 'the man' for that matter. If I really want something, I can work hard and accomplish it. Additionally, I learned that we should never take from the 'well of plenty' unless we are in absolute need. Network, make connections, but please don't be that guy who is always looking for a free ride. Earn it first." - Nicole Dellert

"The most helpful thing I learned was people skills. Answering the phones and talking with musicans from all over Texas, you have to be on your toes and really listen to what their asking. Casey also talked with us about being girls in a male dominated field. "The music industry is very difficult to get into. Even if you don't end up going into the music industry, the TMO internship perpares you with skills and advice that can be utilized in any field! It really helps prepare you for the real world. Honestly, I loved every minute of interning and there is NOTHING that could have made that experience better." - Sarah Murphy

"If you intern during SXSW, take advantage of working for the TMO at the Tradeshow and make sure to network while you're there!!! This is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet music industry professionals and talent. I recommend creating business cards (or put your name and contact info. on the back of a TMO business card) to hand out during the SXSW Tradeshow or any SXSW / TMO event so you can network and possibly create an opportunity to work in the music business. Casey is a great resource so make sure to listen to what he teaches you and pick his brain!" - Alexis Allo

"I am currently teaching guitar lessons and working on many recording projects, one of which is my band's first EP. Otherwise I am totally broke and unemployed! In other words, I'm living the dream...I think the most helpful thing I learned during the internship was that all the people who "make it" in the music business are just normal (and generally hard-working) people like myself and that it is important to get to know as many of them as I can. The best advice I could probably give would be to not kid yourself about a carreer in music: if you don't absolutely love every second of it then don't even bother...it's not easy." - Harold King

"(The most helpful thing I learned during my TMO internship was) communication, team work and professionalism...have patience, determination, and the ability to think 'outside the box.' A lot of times you will not be able to find the information you are looking for, so you must find other ways besides the obvious." - April Arellano

"I learned how to call anybody, no matter who they are, and get needed information from them. I also improved my internet research skills greatly, which has proven to be extremely helpful thus far. Casey gave me a lot of really good advice, and one of the things that he told me about the music industry is that it is definitely a business, which means that people want to make money. I suppose it is kind of a cold reality, but it is true, and I think that anyone who is trying to make it in the music industry needs to remember that that is what people are concerned with - making money." - Lauren Anne Carlson

"There are two major themes I really took from the internship. One, of course, was Casey's Golden Rule: since the internship, I have frequently made an effort to see things from others' point of view. The second piece of advice I picked up was a bit more accidental. While at lunch with Casey, he taught me the importance of standing up for yourself. It extended in to dealing with (some) people's feelings of entitlement. My advice would be to try and figure out which area of the industry you would like to work in early and then make every effort to learn as much as possible about it. Having extensive internet and new media knowledge would also be extremely beneficial. As I am currently looking for employment within the industry. I am also finding that having solid administrative experience is a key hiring factor. I really liked how the internship was set up. I think a key part was at the beginning when we went over the list of all the different catagories to classify businesses. This really showed all the different options you have to work in music. Also, my experience working at SXSW was one of the greatest I've ever had. P.S. Casey: I met a guy at an Old 97's concert last night that said he had done a project with you before. I believe his name was Mitch B. (not sure of his whole last name, it was fairly long). He now has a marketing company in Queens. Small world." - Brent Greubel

The industry is going through dramatic changes right now, be sure you keep ahead of the curve. Don't get stuck in the business model of the past because it doesn't work anymore. You must be creative in order to succeed in the music industry today. Always try to learn new things about the industry. Search for new and innovative websites, read blogs and music magazines, take advantage of the printouts at the TMO. Do everything you can to learn about the industry as a whole. - Laura Wilson

The most helpful thing I learned during my TMO internship is how to research. - James Fraser

I learned that music as a business operates much like any other business. This came as a bit of a surprise given the normal misconceptions of the industry (slick skeezy suits taking clueless artists they found in some small club to the cleaners). Artists who get signed are likely as business savvy as the agents and labels that eventually represent them. I am also thankful to have learned a bit about how the industry is changing. This appears to be a pivotal time for music sale and distribution and it was interesting to have my eyes directed to how that change is affecting stagnant business models. - Derrick Ryan Ward

Spring 2009 TMO fellowship interns (from left to right): Roslynn Castillo, Dustin Villarreal, Yan Li, Brooke Deardurff.

Fall 2008 TMO fellowship interns (from left to right): Dulcenea Garcia, Brian Marshall, Marisa Raburn,
Ashlee Putney, Marcus Womack.

Summer 2008 TMO fellowship interns (from left to right): Alina Feodorova, James Fraser, Laura Wilson,
Derrick Ward and Natalia Urbanowicz.

Spring 2008 TMO fellowship interns (from left to right): April Arellano, Jack Yang
and Mariel De La Garza (not pictured: Lauren Carlson)

2007 Fall TMO interns (left to right): Kash Sarkaria, Christy Cox and Mayleen Granato
(Not pictured: Divya Reddi)