I knew even before I started my music therapy education that I was going to take the unconventional route. I’d already had plenty of practice at that, having completed my undergraduate education as a vocal performance major 3 semesters early in order to graduate and pursue my training as a music therapist.
I gained so much more than a bachelor’s degree in those 2 and a half years spent at Rollins College, a small liberal arts school in central Florida. Dr. John Sinclair, or “Doc” as everyone called him, was the director of the music school, and he was the model for doing things unconventionally. I watched him take on countless challenges, create exciting opportunities for his students, and build his program to reflect his innovative vision.
It was Doc who introduced me to the field of music therapy during my first semester of sophomore year, who connected me with a local music therapist so that I could shadow her, and who sat with me for hours, helping me devise a plan for graduating early so that I could dive into my dream career as quickly as possible.
Doc gave me permission to do things differently, just as he always had himself. When everyone else questioned my decision — “WHY would you want to finish college a year and a half early?!” — he encouraged me to follow my gut.
He served as a mentor to me, and without his steadfast support, I might have succumbed to those voices telling me to take the more conventional path. But as I packed up and returned to the midwest to attend Illinois State University in the winter of 2003, I didn’t look back for a second.
16 years later, I felt inspired to share my unconventional roadmap with other music therapists who are working on finding their own path in a career full of diverging possibilities.
Innovative Income for Music Therapists: Beyond Direct Service & Private Practice combines my own experiences with those of other trailblazing music therapists to illustrate the virtually endless ways in which to generate revenue using your unique training, knowledge and skills.
It’s not easy going the “alternate” route or blazing your own trail; I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that. Your decision to become a music therapist most likely took a good deal of courage and fortitude. I hope my words encourage you to continue shaping your career in a way that allows you to live your ideal life.
The field of music therapy is so much wider and more expansive than it was when I first stepped foot in it, and the possibilities for forging your unconventional path are endless.
Innovative Income for Music Therapists: Beyond Direct Service & Private Practice is meant to serve only as a catalyst, not an all-inclusive catalog. I’m sharing my own experiences of generating income outside of clinical work and direct service, as well as the experiences of some of my most respected colleagues, in hopes that they will spark the innovator in you.
Enter by Wednesday, November 13 at midnight CT for a chance to win the following — a prize package worth over $500:
- access to the full online CMTE course for yourself AND a music therapist friend or colleague of your choice
- a $100 Amazon gift card to use towards any equipment, materials, or other resources needed for your innovative endeavors
- a year-long membership to Listen & Learn Plus
To enter, follow the 3 simple steps listed below:
1. Join the preorder list. When you enter your name and email address in the boxes below, you’ll receive a notification as soon as preorders open on November 14.
2. Follow on Instagram. Here’s the link — while you’re there, check out the first few posts to learn more about me, the book, and the innovative journey we’re about to embark on together.
3. Like the Instagram photo below. This is the official giveaway post, and the final stop in entering this super awesome giveaway.
The winner will be drawn randomly and announced first thing on Thursday, November 14 to kick off Preorder Day!
Have questions about the book, online CMTE course, or giveaway? Leave them in the comments here or over on Instagram, and always feel free to drop me a line (rachel@listenlearnmusic.com).
So excited to get a copy of your new book Rachel! Congratulations!
Thanks so much, Lisa! Can’t wait to share it with you!