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The Museum, Hatch Show Print, Haley Gallery, and Historic RCA Studio B are closed Tuesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25. Normal hours of operation will resume on Thursday, December 26.

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Field Forward Stipend

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Field Forward is a living and relocation stipend—offered to select candidates in addition to the paid internship—that supports students who identify as traditionally underrepresented in cultural arts careers and/or students with demonstrated financial need. Field Forward encourages diverse student arts engagement and provides educational experiences to historically underrepresented students. Applicants must submit a Field Forward application in addition to the internship application and demonstrate financial need (if applicable) to be considered.

The Field Forward application is live during the same application window as internship applications. View “How to Apply” for further instructions, application deadlines, and other important dates. 

Field Forward Application Requirements:

  1. The online Museum application package for the preferred internship
  2. The Field Forward application
  3. A letter of recommendation. We prefer that letters of recommendation are uploaded to the online Field Forward application. If you are unable to do so, you or your reference may email your letter of recommendation to internships@countrymusichalloffame.org.
  4. Additional – Financial Need: Graduate intern candidates will demonstrate financial need by explaining demonstrated need in their Field Forward application. Undergraduate intern candidates will demonstrate financial need by completing a Student Financial Aid Profile, signed by their college’s financial aid office, and by explaining demonstrated need in their Field Forward application. Undergraduates: Please follow the instructions in the Student Financial Aid Profile and return it to internships@countrymusichalloffame.org.

Field Forward Testimonials

  • “My internship with Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has been an influential component of my PhD journey. It provided me with practical skills that extend beyond my academic training. Working alongside the Education and Family Programs team, I learned how to translate my research on the Black Banjo renaissance into engaging public programs for a wider audience. The Field Forward Stipend enabled me to establish a presence in the Nashville music and arts community, while fostering significant personal development outside of the university environment. This hands-on experience is not only advancing my dissertation research, but also expands my career prospects beyond the realm of academia.”

    Joe Johnson, Summer 2022 Museum Education Intern

  • “My internship at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has been a significant part of my collegiate experience. I had the amazing opportunity to intern with the Public Programs department, where I got to work alongside music industry professionals, while learning many skills to take on my journey forward. The Field Forward stipend allowed me to gain the most insight and education from this opportunity. With the support of the stipend, I gained an experience that I wouldn’t have had without it. It gave me the resources to focus solely on my internship, allowing me to create a presence within the industry.”

    Selena Ramirez, Summer 2023 Public Programs Intern

Field Forward FAQs

Field Forward is designed and intended for currently enrolled, credit-seeking, and/or degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate students who identify as traditionally underrepresented in cultural arts careers and those with demonstrated financial need. Students must submit an additional application and demonstrate financial need (if applicable) to be considered.  

Yes! 

Awards are determined through a collaborative review process between the Museum’s Human Resources and Internship offices. 

Same as the time requirements for paid internships: a maximum commitment of 25 hours per week for 12 weeks. 

The Field Forward stipend is $2,500 divided equally over six pay periods – approximately $416 bi-weekly.

A staff member from the Internship office will indicate if you have been awarded a Field Forward stipend when you are offered an internship position. Notifications will be sent via email. 

Describe how you identify with your selected Field Forward group/s (students from communities traditionally underrepresented in cultural arts careers and/or students with demonstrated financial need, including assistance needed for relocation if residing 100 miles or more from Nashville).

Recommendations must come from a professional reference (e.g., professor, employer, etc.). References should speak to the applicant’s academic and/or work history, as well as to how the specific internship position will support the applicant’s professional and educational aspirations. 

How do I submit letters of recommendation? 

We prefer that letters of recommendation are uploaded to the online Field Forward application. If you are unable to do so, you or your reference may email your letter of recommendation to internships@countrymusichalloffame.org. 

Yes, the Field Forward stipend is considered taxable income; taxes will be withheld from the stipend payments. Stipend payments will be made via direct deposit to your designated bank account and reflected on your bi-weekly pay stub. 

Contact Us

For additional information, contact the Internship office at internships@countrymusichalloffame.org.