When people think of a music career, the first thing that comes to mind is playing or teaching music with little to no income. Well, Megan Maroney is currently studying music therapy and says there are several different jobs in that field alone.

She said, "Music Therapy is the evidence-based practice of using music to help a variety of populations achieve certain goals, whether these be physical, mental, or emotional aspects of themselves."

"There are many different options for jobs within the music therapy world, from playing socially stimulating musical games in schools with students in the special education department to playing drums for prematurely born babies in the NICU to having collective songwriting sessions with ex-convicts in group therapy," said Maroney.

Megan is a sophomore at Western Illinois University, which is one of two schools that offer music therapy as a major in Illinois.

“People considering entering this practice should know that it is more than just being a musician; it is about learning to be a scientist, a researcher, a clinician, a therapist, a scholarly writer, and a musician all at the same time,” said Maroney.

She said her inspiration for a music career started when she was 12 years old, she began vocal lessons with Sarah (Marie Dillard) Mooberry and Brandon Mooberry.

"First herself, and then her husband Brandon, both instilled in me the importance of diversifying what I do as a musician," said Maroney.

Maroney said aside from her aspiring career, looking into the music business can bring up several jobs that people may not be aware of.

"Some other less known or considered options (in my opinion) are sound technicians, music web designers, audio and mastering engineers, music marketing representatives, merchandise designers, and the list goes on," said Maroney.

Maroney said shedding light on all the possibilities in a music career is detrimental to not only the individual success of young people but to the future of the world of music as a whole.