3 Downsides of Being a Music Therapist | Realities of a Music Therapy Career

How do you know you're a good fit for a music therapy career? We hear so much about the positives of being a music therapist, but are there any downsides? For transparency's sake, Mai Abe, MT-BC, sits down to talk about her perspective on three downsides of being a music therapist.
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[@kayb6997]

Thank you so much for this, especially the last point. I’m studying to be a music therapist right now and it’s frustrating to study alongside peers who dont support a lot of diverse groups. But there are a lot who are advocating for more social justice, and I hope that we can all learn from each other.

[@CreativeVibesMT]

Definitely! It’s changed a lot even since I was in school and I’m confident we’re going in the right direction.

[@Benlavine]

Mai, thanks for posting this!!! They really need to implement a “music therapy advocacy/business” class into the curriculum!!! But then again it feels like even one additional class in our curriculum would be a lot 😅😅😅

[@CreativeVibesMT]

Yeah, students already have a lot on their plate as it is, but having a business class as an elective would be great to have!

[@dcloud3791]

You covered this in a very tasteful, honest, and necessary way. We have a loooong way to go. I think this video should be mandatory viewing for all students 😁

[@antbat22]

i definitely want to explore this field, i love music and i want to be a therapist. this video is very educational thank you so much

[@user-si8it3kt1i]

you are amazing and inspiring pls continue!

[@ernestol.2417]

Thank you for sharing! ❤

[@Zoey5374]

Thank you for this information! I think it's definitely important to see the negatives of the field while considering it as a career! I'm currently applying to a music therapy program, which for the university I'm applying to, the first two years is the same as the bachelor of music before branching into music therapy. I'm excited, but also nervous! If I don't get into the university right away, I'm gonna hopefully go to the college in my city. It has affilations with the University that does the music therapy program. However I'd have to enter into 3rd year bachelor of music then take an extra semester to a year after getting the bachelor of music to get the required courses for music therapy. Though the college has music business course which may help with some of the aspects mentioned! I know someone who is a music therapist that used to live in my city. While she was visiting over the summer I was inquiring about some things and she did mention she's in the process of getting a counseling license as many still don't know about music therapy.

[@MishyIsHere]

Thank you for your feedback. After watching your video, it tells me that it's very important to obtain sales skills along with this career. As it requires a lot of self selling and advocacy on why it's very important based on your experience to have these individuals use your services. Best wishes on your journey in your career.

[@astolfosobrelaluna.3099]

Lots of love and support 🎼🐈

[@katherineburford7864]

Consider including in your music therapy training on the Heidelberg and other models for helping those with Musical Ear Syndrome Tinnitus both through music listening and learning how to read music which helps you whistle, hum, sing, and play small instruments such as Tibetan song bowls, recorders, harmonicas, drums and dancing.

[@davidhalliday7182]

Thank you. I love that background music...what is it?

[@rile2]

Whenever someone is not accepting of others it's okay to call them out for it too, or you can just say "It's okay to have wrong opinions" lol

[@nariseconnor7775]

I'm looking at going back to school for music therapy, but i saw a tiktok video from a music therapist who said they go home exhausted at the end of everyday because of the emotional labor of the job. Have you seen this in your work? How big of an issue is it?

[@howtosober]

Wait, what do you mean "below the median national average" income? That's not what all the statistics I read say, which are that the salary range for music therapists is anywhere between $30-$80k. I'm also kind of counting on that by the time my degree is done the field will have advanced four more years, with four more years of increased awareness and demand.

[@CreativeVibesMT]

Well....yes that is the salary range, but 1. the median national average income for 2021 was around $70k, so most music therapists are making less than that because 2. entry level positions usually start at around $50k in California. I've seen salaries even in the low $20k in more rural areas. The higher salaries that you see are usually people who are running a private practice, are running programs at larger companies/hospitals, and are more on the administrative side of things rather than just practicing. The statistics that people read are usually really skewed because they don't always account for all of those nuances either.

[@PokeyJr12]

Hi. I am a volunteer with a MT in a LTC facility. The one I volunteer with is a great guy .... so how can I best be a help this Therapist. I actually am a prior practical psych aide. I end up not doing much because I don't want to add to his work.

[@DissAssoc13]

Omg, the performers vs. Music therapists, please...

[@nelsonausa8888]

How to become a music therapist?

[@radigass]

Go to school. Take a loan.

[@milesofwhite]

Tbh it sounds just like being a music teacher, people don’t really value that much either

[@radigass]

I strongly believe that universities has to stop creating these courses for students, which they know that there is no value in the marketplace. For example, exercise science, music therapist, and health communication. They’re selling these kids a dream. These are degrees that u can’t make a living out off. It’s debt!!!!

[@Skyleeshi]

I dont really agree, because i believe we do need these studies and professions out there... its not a dream when music therapy work actually works and has a place in the society! It's important that our health systems evolves and we always new methods and professions. I work as a music therapist in Norway, and of course we have a long way to go here too, but its getting more and more appreciated in the health field, as well with the pay is getting better! So i strongly believe in this work and profession :)

[@RochestersGotTalentbyPaulRefic]

do you have youtube videos 0r instagram