Becoming a music therapist: professional and personal growth of a master’s student

Abstract

To honor and integrate what I have learned in graduate school, this paper presents an exploration of my clinical foundations, professional development, and paths for future growth as a music therapist. As I have traditionally connected with academic pursuits, writing a paper outlining my graduate school journey in music therapy feels satisfying. However, part of my journey has been reconnecting with my own musical identity and developing my identity as a music therapist. For me, it is difficult to encompass all areas of growth with only words, and thus I have composed a piece of music that mirrors my development. This musical composition became the lens in which I examined myself, and illuminated important aspects of my personal and professional development. The journey to becoming a board-certified music therapist has impacted my life and identity on multiple levels; completing this paper and piece of music serve as ways to integrate what I have learned and honor my new identity.