A phenomenological exploration of the financial implications of being a music therapist

Music therapists experience several financial responsibilities as they undergo completing their degree and internship, becoming certified, and working as professionals. Scant literature exists that encompasses the broad range of experiences throughout this timeline. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore how financial responsibilities impacted music therapists’ lived experiences as students and professionals. The researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with five board-certified music therapists and used an interpretive phenomenological analysis to derive four major themes: complexities within the music therapy career, privilege, advocacy, and burnout. Practical implications are made for music therapists to better understand the potential barriers and circumstances that exist in the field and to begin to establish necessary support and change.