5 Things I Wish I Knew as a New Music Therapist -Tips I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Was Starting Out
Starting your journey as a music therapist is so exciting… and let’s be real—kind of overwhelming too! You’ve got the training, the passion, the instruments—but there’s a whole lot they don’t cover in school.
As students and interns, we usually have supervisors nearby to guide us through tricky situations. We're allowed to focus just on learning, while they shield us from the more complex stuff. But once you land that first job? Suddenly you're expected to handle it all—serve patients, meet expectations, and manage yourself like a pro... without that cozy safety net. Eeep! 😅
As a board-certified music therapist and mentor, I’ve had the joy of supporting students and early-career MTs as they grow. If I could sit down with my younger self (and all of you bright, passionate new therapists!), here are five things I wish someone had told me:
1. Your First Job Doesn’t Define You
Your first role might not be your dream job—and that’s totally okay. Whether it’s part-time, a contract gig, or not in your ideal population, every experience helps shape your clinical voice. Stay open, stay curious, and give yourself permission to pivot as you grow.
💡 MT Tip: Keep a journal! Jot down your session reflections, funny moments, and aha discoveries. It’s amazing to see how much you’ll grow.
2. It’s Okay to Still Be Learning
Yep, imposter syndrome is real. But here’s the secret: even experienced therapists are still learning. You don’t have to know everything to be a great music therapist. Stay humble, stay hungry (for knowledge, not snacks… or okay, snacks too 🍪).
💡 MT Tip: Celebrate the small wins and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Growth > perfection, always.
3. The First Year Comes in Phases
The beginning often feels like a honeymoon—everything’s exciting and full of potential. But somewhere around 3–6 months in, the real-world challenges sneak in. You might start feeling the weight of work dynamics or session difficulties. That’s normal! By your one-year mark, you’ll start finding your rhythm and feeling more grounded.
💡 MT Tip: Keep going! Talk to trusted peers or mentors when things feel bumpy. The hard moments mean you’re growing.
4. Stay Curious
Not everything you learned in school will fit perfectly into your work setting—and that’s okay! The therapists who grow the fastest are the ones who stay open to re-learning and adapting. You don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Just be present, stay curious, and embrace the “figuring it out” stage.
💡 MT Tip: When something doesn’t go as planned, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” It shifts the whole experience.
5. You Don’t Have to Be Perfect
Perfection is not the goal—connection is. Mistakes will happen (yep, even the awkward ones), and they’re part of how you learn. Be gentle with yourself. You are doing beautiful, important work—just by showing up and trying your best.
💡 MT Tip: When in doubt, take a deep breath and remind yourself: I am learning. I am growing. I am enough.
🌱 Looking for More Support?
If you're a music therapy student, intern, or newly board-certified MT looking for some guidance, I offer mentorship sessions to help you feel more confident, connected, and supported. You don’t have to figure it all out alone—we can walk this path together 💛
