Switch on/off MP3 player by using transistor

Use a logic-level MOSFET, or a better BJT (one designed for switching which has a lower Vsat,
such as ZTX851).

For 3.3V operation you could try changing that 220 ohm resistor to 100 ohms though, 220 is
not going to allow much base current (only 12mA, you want as much as is safe to drive a BJT as
a switch, 25 to 30mA - remember output pins already have about 40 ohms in internal resistance
in your calculations)