Music Therapist – Independent Contractor
Westport School of Music, Westport, CT
wsmusic.org
Description: The Westport School of Music is searching for a Board-Certified Music Therapist to run its Saturday Musicworks! program which offers individual therapy sessions for 30 Saturdays during the regular school year. This will be an independent contractor position. The program is structured into two semesters of 15 weeks each starting mid-September – January, and February – mid-June. WMS organizes scheduling and invoices parents; MT is paid monthly during scheduled semesters. The program generally has 4 – 6 students per semester with about 60% registering for 30 minutes and 40% for 45- minute sessions.
WSM has provided quality music education programs for students since 1938 and has 12 professional teachers who offer classical piano, jazz piano, strings, woodwinds, guitar and voice for students ages 5 and above.
The Musicworks! (music therapy) program has been established for 24 years and serves students (ages 5 and above) through adulthood. Participants have special needs ranging from, but not limited to, developmental delays, physical disabilities, and/or social/emotional needs as exhibited by students on the autism spectrum.
For several reasons, the program structure is ideal for new therapists to experiment and “try-out” different approaches and activities. This allows for a more relaxed situation as compared to a clinical program requiring pre- and post-testing, detailed plans, and other documentation.
Parents contact WSM Director from various sources such as word-of-mouth and website searches to initiate program participation. The MT will use a trial session/screening/parent interview process to determine appropriateness for participation. Parent interviews will highlight the personal goals they have for their family members regarding participation. The MT will maintain their own participation data. Musicworks! students will have progress provided per semester. This program is not formatted to implement formal IEP school goals but may compliment them well. The MT will maintain effective communication with parents through email or phone conversations as warranted or requested. The MT will collaborate and report directly to WMS Director to determine semester dates and any other ongoing program business/concerns. Program space includes upright piano, open floor space, and a large inventory of other instruments for session use.
Qualifications: The applicant must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in music therapy and have completed the required 1200 hours of clinical training. Candidates must be Board Certified or eligible to sit for the exam. Experienced music therapists and new graduates are equally encouraged to apply. Candidates should be comfortable working independently in 1:1 sessions with individuals of all ages and all abilities. Candidates should be comfortable providing adaptive piano/guitar lessons.
Compensation range per 30-minute session: $45 – $55 based on experience
To apply: Please send your resume and cover letter to WSM Director Sarah Miller at smiller@wsmusic.org.