One of the best - and most challenging - parts of my career has been working across a variety of tiers in healthcare. From the frontline to leadership, and across a range of settings, no two environments have ever been exactly alike. Yet, along the way, I’ve uncovered bits of wisdom that seemed to apply no matter where I was or what I was doing. Whether I was cleaning the restroom or sitting in the boardroom, these lessons stood the test of time.
Here are 10 things I believe every music therapist (and professional) should know:
1. Know Your Scope.
Understand the boundaries of your work and the roles you’re trained to fulfill. This clarity builds confidence and earns respect from clients and colleagues alike. It protects both your clients and you, ensuring ethical, effective practice.
2. Know Your Brand.
You bring something unique to the table. Knowing how to convey that authentically makes your services clear and helps you attract clients who align with your strengths. Your brand sets you apart from others and gives you the creative freedom to do what you love in ways that feel most meaningful.
3. Know Your Value.
Your work has real worth. Embrace the impact you make - professionally, emotionally, and financially. Knowing your value helps you advocate for your role on the team and across the broader landscape of your field. It also provides a sense of purpose and assists you in obtaining appropriate compensation, both of which are critical for your longevity as a music therapist. And remember, money is only one measure of your value.
4. Know Your Clients.
Each client is unique, and understanding who they are is at the heart of effective therapy. Adaptability and empathy are key to connecting with them and providing impactful care that truly makes a difference. This could include anything from knowing preferred styles of music and faith backgrounds to understanding triggers and causes for shame or regret. It helps provide more individualized care, improve outcomes, and make your work feel more purposeful. Diving in deep with your clients as you continue to build rapport is an investment that yields dividends for you both.
5. Know Your Setting.
Every environment has its own norms and needs. Whether you’re in a hospital, school, or community center, aligning with your setting enhances the impact of your work. It also helps you navigate operational and political challenges, making you a greater asset to your team and helping you see the value of your work in the larger context of care.
6. Know Your Place.
Music therapy is part of a larger care team. Knowing how to collaborate and communicate effectively with other professionals is essential to creating a cohesive client experience. By understanding your place on your team, its nuances, and its priorities, you can better align yourself to make a difference. This isn’t about being higher or lower than anyone else - it’s about defining your role and contributing to the bigger picture in meaningful ways.
7. Know Your Limits.
The work you do is rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Recognizing when you need rest ensures that you’re able to show up at your best. Your clients need you, and so does the field, but you can’t pour from an empty cup. Practice intentional self-care and communicate when challenges arise.
8. Know Your Why.
Nietzsche said, “He who has a why can bear almost any how.” Remember why you started in this field. Was it to make a difference in someone’s life? To share your love of music in a way that heals and connects? To fill a gap you saw in the world of therapy? Whatever your “why,” hold onto it. It’s your anchor during tough days and your compass when you feel lost. Your “why” is what fuels your passion, keeps you grounded, and helps you weather the inevitable challenges of this work. Revisit it often, and let it guide not just your day-to-day decisions, but the long-term vision you have for yourself as a music therapist.
9. Know Your Values.
It’s an ancient adage for a reason: Know thyself. Ground yourself in your values—they guide your decisions and interactions, especially in challenging moments. Your values don’t just tell you how to act; they remind you why some paths aren’t worth taking.
10. Know That No One Knows.
I often say, “There are wrong approaches to music therapy, but there’s no one right way.” Music therapy blends art and science. The field is research- and evidence-based, but no one is a master. That’s why it’s called a practice. Lean on the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, know the policies of your company and therapeutic setting, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Challenges bring innovation, and innovation spurs growth. Trying new approaches keeps your work fresh, helps you grow, and contributes to the development of the field. Who knows? You might even pioneer the next ground-breaking technique!
Which of these resonates most with you? Are there any you’re actively working on? What lessons have you learned in your career that you’d add to the list?
