🎶 A Day in the Life of a Board-Certified Music Therapist
Private Practice Edition: Equal Parts Magic & Planning!
What does a music therapist do in a typical day?
If you’ve ever wondered what a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) does—especially one who runs a private practice—this post is for you! Whether you're a parent, an aspiring student, or someone fascinated by creative careers, come take a peek behind the scenes.
Spoiler alert: it’s not all strumming guitars and singing songs (though there's plenty of that too 😉). Each day is a blend of thoughtful planning, clinical care, and heart-centered creativity.
☀️ 7:00 AM – Tea, Tunes & Tailoring the Day
How do music therapists plan their sessions?
I start my day with a warm cup of green tea and a peek at my inbox. Then, it’s time to plan each client’s session! Every session is individualized based on the client’s goals, age, and sensory preferences—because no two kids (or young adults!) are alike.
Session prep might include:
Reviewing goals like communication, motor skills, or emotional regulation
Prepping visuals, instruments, or sensory supports
Setting up the studio for each unique client
This quiet planning time grounds my day and ensures each session is purposeful.
🎵 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Back-to-Back Music Therapy Sessions
What does a music therapist do during the day?
This is my main clinical window. I work with clients from ages 3 to late 20s, and every session is different! In one hour, I might be drumming with a preschooler; the next, I’m songwriting with a college student working on coping strategies.
Here’s how I structure it:
30, 45, or 60 minute individual sessions based on the needs
5–15 minute breaks in between for setup, cleanup, and quick self-care
A longer lunch and mental reset midway through
I don’t travel to clients’ homes—families come to my cozy music therapy studio. Why?
It creates consistency for kids, especially those with autism or special needs
It offers a calm, structured space away from home distractions
This intentional setup helps my clients thrive and allows me to give my best care.
✍️ 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM – Cleanup, Notes & Reflection
Do music therapists do paperwork?
Yes—and it’s a big part of ethical, quality care. After sessions, I:
Clean up and sanitize instruments
Document each session: progress, observations, and updates
Brainstorm ideas for next week’s sessions
It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential for personalized, goal-driven care.
🗂️ Admin Days – The Secret Sauce of Private Practice
How do private practice music therapists stay organized?
One perk of running your own practice? You can create your own rhythm.
I build in admin days during the week to:
Respond to emails
Do billing and scheduling
Host parent consultations
Plan sessions
Write blog posts like this one!
Admin days help me stay organized and avoid burnout. They’re crucial for keeping the heart and business of the practice strong.
💬 From Big Organization to Private Practice
Why experience in larger systems matters
Before opening my practice, I spent over 10 years working in hospitals and large institutions—and eventually stepped into leadership. This gave me:
Advanced clinical training
Mentorship and collaboration
Insight into evidence-based practices
If you’re a parent looking for a music therapist, I recommend choosing someone with extensive clinical experience. It makes a huge difference in quality of care.
💛 Final Thoughts: Music, Meaning & Human Connection
My days are full—of laughter, music, and meaningful progress. Whether I’m greeting a toddler with a hello song or reflecting over notes at sunset, every moment is rooted in connection.
Music therapy is more than music—it’s about building trust, celebrating growth, and meeting clients where they are.
➡️ Want to Learn More?
If you’re a parent wondering whether music therapy might help your child, or a student curious about this path, I’d love to connect. Let’s talk about how music can support growth, healing, and joy. 💛
