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Is it wise to only get a music therapy degree? Thank you for reading my thoughts and thank you in advance for helping me!

I want to become a music therapist to work with all ages and abileties. I was told that a socialwork degree would be much better in terms of money and job opportunities. I also love music and psychology practices so music therapy as a career seems like the best fit. Music has been a leading factor in my life since I was very young. Being a full-time musician doesn't align with my personality and life circumstances. However, I know that most music therapists have their own businesses and I'm more of a social butterfly. I love bouncing ideas off people and working as a team My friends say I really help them through their problems and give them real tools for them to help themselves.

business-development musician social-psychologist clinical-psychologist
Thank you comment icon Music is and will always be the healer. Get it out as I can jAMIE p
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Vianne’s Answer

Your friends are right that social work offers more flexibility and job options, but that doesn't mean music therapy is a bad choice. Music therapy is more specialized, so jobs might be fewer and sometimes depend on where you live. Many music therapists have private practices, but lots also work in teams at hospitals, schools, rehab centers, or community programs with social workers, psychologists, and others. If you enjoy working with others, these team settings might suit you better than working alone.

You don't have to choose just one path. Some people start in music therapy and later get a social work degree to have more options and earn more. Others begin with social work and then bring music into their practice. Think about how much flexibility and financial stability you want compared to how much you love music therapy. Both paths match who you are, and you're making a choice based on what you truly want, not because of pressure. That's a great place to be.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for answering! I really appreciate the validation and the way you worded your answer. It reminded me that I am allowed to take as much or as little advice as I want to feel happy. Alondra
Thank you comment icon Music is a medicine that can be used to achieve various therapeutic effects. It all depends on what you want to achieve. But if you want to become a music therapist, you should know that the first step may not be so easy and straightforward, but after a while you will understand how to use the power and healing properties of music if you don't get scared and continue working in this directio Aleksandr Sky
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Jennie’s Answer

I agree with Vianne's response! If you choose to pursue a degree in Social Work, I suggest aiming for a Master's. While a Bachelor's is valuable, a Master's offers even more opportunities in the field. It seems like you have plenty of options, and you can follow all your passions. The best path is to find a job you love and are passionate about. Both options can lead to rewarding careers. Wishing you the best of luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Jennie! Alondra
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Martha D.’s Answer

Hi Alondra - you have asked an interesting question and received advice I agree with. You clearly communicate how important music is to you so I would hate for you to give up on it without at least trying to include it in your profession.

Another possible route - my friend's daughter was a music teacher for a few years before getting her master's in music therapy. Now she is working with hospice patients and loving it. There are many ways to pursue your profession - and you could adjust along the way.

Below, I have put a link to the American Music Therapy Association lots of information. Wishing you good luck!

Martha D. recommends the following next steps:

Music therapy FAQs - https://www.musictherapy.org/faq/#:~:text=Where%20do%20music%20therapists%20work,%2C%20schools%2C%20and%20private%20practice.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Alondra
Thank you comment icon You're welcome - thank you for your note. Martha D. Kramer
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