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When did you fall in love?

by Kimberly on March 29, 2012 · 7 comments

I often get emails from people who stumble across this blog as they are researching music therapy. Many of their questions are related to careers in music therapy: how do I become a music therapist? What classes do you recommend I take? What instruments do I need to know how to play?

Some questions are more interview-style. These often come from high school or college students who are writing about music therapy and need some questions answered. This post is inspired by one of those questions, which popped up in my inbox the other day:

What inspired you to become a music therapist?

This question intrigued me, primarily because it’s a new question. I’ve talked about this before, but don’t often write about it.

Another reason I like this question is because, whether she realized it or not, this student was trying to understand the concept of finding your passion. I feel incredibly fortunate that I have found a career that I am passionate about. I cannot imagine being anything but a music therapist. And the funny part is, as soon as I “discovered” and became aware of this career, there was no turning back.

Not everyone is as fortunate in being able to have a career in a field they are truly passionate about. I would venture to guess, too, that most music therapists feel the same way I do. It’s not easy to become trained and work as a music therapist. It challenges you emotionally, physically, creatively, and intellectually. There are stumbling blocks and obstacles along the way…but it’s our passion for what we do that keeps us going. I can’t help but wonder whether most people in the healing and helping professions feel this way as well.

Here was my answer to this reader’s question:

Music always came easily to me, but I knew I didn’t want to be a performer (not too keen on practicing 4-6 hours a day) and I didn’t want to be a teacher either. That just wasn’t what I was passionate about. But when I first learned about music therapy, it just seemed like a natural, right fit. I remember sitting in a friends living room floor, skimming through her music therapy textbooks, thinking “this is what I want to do.” Within a few days, I had started to process to transfer schools so I could go to a school that offered a music therapy training program.

What about you? When did you fall in love with music therapy…or whatever it is you are passionate about?

 

{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

Rachelle Norman March 30, 2012 at 7:25 pm

I first read about music therapy in a little article by Dr. Alan Solomon in the University of Evansville’s recruitment magazine, and I’m pretty sure I knew right then that this was to be my profession. I was a junior in high school, so I did my due diligence in visiting various schools and talking with professors about music therapy, but really, I never considered any other field. I still haven’t.

Thanks for the walk down inspirational-memory lane, Kim!

Addie March 31, 2012 at 11:13 am

Hi! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I truly enjoy reading through your posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the same topics? Appreciate it!

Kimberly April 1, 2012 at 1:10 pm

Thanks, Addie! I recommend checking out some of the blogs and websites listed on my lefthand sidebar (the Maven Sponsors), as well as a list of blogs and websites under my Resources tab. Happy reading! ~Kimberly

Kimberly April 1, 2012 at 1:10 pm

My pleasure for walk down memory lane! What a nice story, Rachelle–thanks for sharing 🙂 ~Kimberly

JoAnn Jordan April 4, 2012 at 3:11 pm

I found music therapy in a newspaper article in the the 1970’s. I knew that was the answer to my question of how to use music to help improve lives of others. I remember going to my high school counselor who didn’t think the field existed. Luckily, I found the program at the University of Kansas. Dr. Clair and others did a great job exposing me to the field and have remained wonderful contacts across the years and the miles.

Melissa April 5, 2012 at 4:27 pm

I find so many music therapists have that similar answer… didn’t want to teach, didn’t want to perform… and discovered music therapy. I also have that same story, and like you, I never looked back. Once I discovered it existed- I ran with it. I saw it in a college brochure, and ended up at that college. I always say that I feel so lucky to have a career that I truly love. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Kimberly April 10, 2012 at 11:40 am

Thank you for sharing your stories, JoAnn and Melissa! ~Kimberly

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