Blinn College student charting course toward career in music therapy

Nessa Larson is combining her love of music with a desire to help others

October 5, 2026

For Nessa Larson, music has always been a source of joy. Now, the Blinn College freshman is discovering how she could use that passion to improve the lives of others.

Larson, a College Station native majoring in music at the Blinn College-Brenham Campus, plans to pursue a career in music therapy — a path she had never considered until her mother introduced her to the field.

“My mother actually stumbled across the degree first,” Larson said. “I’d been at a bit of a loss about what to study, and it sounded like the perfect career for me. I’d be able to do my two favorite things – music and helping people.”

After completing her foundational courses at Blinn, Larson plans to transfer to either Sam Houston State University or Texas Woman’s University (TWU), two of the five Texas universities that offer music therapy programs. Blinn has partnerships with both universities designed to help students transfer smoothly.

Students also can co-enroll in a joint program with TWU, allowing them to earn an Associate of Arts in Music from Blinn and a Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy from TWU simultaneously.

For Larson, the appeal of music therapy lies in the range of ways music can support a person’s well-being.

“Music therapy involves using music as a tool to help people mentally, emotionally, and even physically,” she said. “I could incorporate physical movement strategies into whatever song and instrument I’d have them play. I would love to go into elderly care facilities or hospitals and participate in bringing joy through music to the people there.

“There’s something about music that touches the soul, no matter what language you speak. It’s beautiful to witness.”

The field also offers Larson flexibility as she thinks about her future beyond college.

“Once I get my degree, I could go down several routes, including visiting folks in hospitals and care facilities,” she said. “One of my goals is to be a stay-at-home mom. I could practice music therapy out of my home. I would also love to use music to help teach my kids. Maybe they’ll grow to love music like I do.”

A lifelong love of music

For Larson, that love began early.

“I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember,” she said. “I didn’t always have the confidence that I do now. I went from singing in the kids’ classes at church to many years of voice lessons, to musical theater, and now to choir.”

Music has become such a constant in Larson’s life that her parents joke there is rarely a quiet moment around her.

“My parents say that there isn't a minute that goes by when I'm not singing or humming something,” Larson said. “Singing brings me a lot of joy, and it's a skill anyone can develop if they want to.”

At Blinn, she is pairing that lifelong enthusiasm with a deeper understanding of how music works.

“The thing I'm learning in music theory and piano class is that music actually makes a lot of sense if you take the time to understand it,” she said. “It's like learning another language. At first, it's a bit rocky, but with time, practice, and learning, we can truly create something unforgettable.”

Larson is a member of Blinn’s concert and chamber choirs. Concert choir is open to all students who enjoy singing, while chamber choir requires an audition.

She credits Dr. Daniel Johnson, Voice Instructor and Assistant Choir Director, and Dr. Larry Smith, Choir Director, with helping her grow as a musician.

“Dr. Smith and Dr. Johnson are wonderfully passionate about music,” she said. “They don’t just talk the talk. They’ve walked the walk and love to sing and perform.

“They know so much. I look forward to understanding more of what they do. We have four lovely piano and vocal instructors as well who help us one-on-one. I can only imagine the hours they’ve put into their passion.”

Exploring new opportunities

Blinn’s music program also has allowed Larson to explore areas of music beyond the choir room.

“There are so many opportunities here at Blinn … musical theater, choir, opera classes,” she said. “There are tryouts soon for a three-person opera by Mozart called ‘Kaffeekantate’ that will be performed in high school recruitment performances. I hope to try out and get the soprano role.”

Larson is no stranger to the stage. She participated in musical theater productions in high school and grew up in a family where music was a regular part of life.

“I have three older brothers who did various musical things growing up. Two of my brothers are also very talented pianists,” she said. “I’m brand new to piano, and it’s amazing to me to listen to what they can do. They fill our home with music when they visit. My dad grew up learning the violin and piano as well.”

For Larson, music has long been something to enjoy, study, and share. Through music therapy, she now sees an opportunity to turn that lifelong passion into a career centered on serving others.

The Blinn College District Music Department offers small classes, one-on-one attention, practical learning, and accessible faculty so students can be actively engaged in their education. For more information, visit www.blinn.edu/music.

About the Blinn College District

With innovative programs and award-winning co-enrollment partnerships, Blinn’s academic transfer rate ranks No. 1 among Texas community colleges. For more information, visit www.blinn.edu.