Experiential Learning Requirements

Experiential Learning “supports students in gaining hands-on learning that helps them transition to employment”^[1]. Experiential Learning can take the form of co-operative education, degree work placement, clinical/field placement, fieldwork/simulation labs, capstone/applied research projects, and service learning.

Field Placement

The sixth and final semester of the MIAP program is characterized by 8 weeks of coursework (as opposed to the usual 14 weeks) followed by a 6-week 35 hour per week field placement. The field placement will provide students with invaluable real world experience and networking opportunities in the music industry. Field placements will reflect the interests, abilities, and career goals of each student. MIAP is a broad program, and its students have a wide variety of interests and career goals relating to music. As a result, field placements will vary widely from one student to the next. Students will find a field placement with advice and assistance from MIAP faculty.

A 6-week, 35 hours per week, field placement adds up to 210 hours. If a student begins their field placement earlier or later than the beginning of the ninth week of the final semester, that is acceptable so long as the total number of hours are achieved. If a student finds an internship that would need to take place at a different time than the usual MIAP field placement dates, that is acceptable so long as the total number of hours are achieved. You can speak with the program coordinator for further information on alternative field placement options.

The status of clinical/field placements and co-op work terms will be subject to public health directives and the reopening plan. Students may complete their placement requirements at sites that are permitted to open, either onsite, following appropriate health and safety protocols, or remotely. Students will be asked to read and sign a Student Informed Consent form in order to ensure that they understand their rights and the potential health and safety risks. Similarly, employers and/or placement hosts will be required to complete an Employer/Placement Health and Safety Site Checklist.

If workplaces are not permitted to open, placements and work terms may be completed remotely where feasible. In programs where placements or unpaid internships can not be facilitated through alternative/distance models, students will be allowed to complete these components at a later date.