Part-Time Music Therapist

ChiME is seeking a board-certified music therapist to join our team. This role is best suited for an individual who is passionate about group settings, working with school-aged children, and who has the energy and enthusiasm to impact hundreds of students per week! Individuals awaiting to take their board exam may apply. About ChiME The Chicago Center for Music Education (ChiME) provides access to evidence-based therapy and engagement-based music programs that develop critical skills and foster self and social growth. Our facility is located in the West Town neighborhood and our programs are also delivered at over 25 partner organizations, 18 of which are Chicago Public Schools. We serve over 3,000 children per year and employ 24 staff members. ChiME added music therapy services in 2015 to provide access to therapy in the Chicago area. Over the years, ChiME has further identified and addressed another unique and significant need – successful music services for schools and organizations with large populations of students with disabilities. Out of this need came the definition and delivery of our Classroom Music Therapy (CMT), which is currently delivered in about 90 classrooms across 11 partner organizations. CMT services act as the base of our Music Therapy Model of programming, reaching over 1,000 children across the city, most often for just a half hour each week. Buddy Band is the next level of engagement in the Music Therapy Model, where students engage both at a deeper level and for an increased amount of time per week in ChiME’s inclusive program. The deepest level of engagement– and where most measurable growth is seen– is our individual music therapy sessions at ChiME. Through this Music Therapy Model continuum, ChiME hopes to impact the children of Chicago with both breadth and depth. We are looking for the right music therapist to add quality expertise to our existing partners and new partners as we continue to expand in the years to come! As community arts educators and therapists, we prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion as a crucial part of our work to ensure that our programming: - helps all children experience interactions that nurture their full range of social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and linguistic abilities; - presents a curriculum and programming that is bias-free and reflects and models fundamental principles of fairness and justice; - is delivered by teaching artists and therapists who are skilled in the delivery of culturally responsive pedagogy and who value all children for who they are and what they bring to our community of learners. Our Music Therapy Program Services Classroom Music Therapy (CMT) Setting: Group music in private schools, public schools, and other organizations. Groups can be anywhere between 2 and 20 students. Participants: Ages 0 -21, students with and without disabilities. Description: ChiME has identified and works to fill a large gap in available programming for schools and organizations with large populations of children with disabilities— successful group music experiences. Using our unique CMT formula, ChiME’s board-certified music therapists use their therapeutic knowledge and expertise to serve 11 partner schools and organizations, bringing successful group music experiences to over 1,000 children who would not otherwise have access. Groups typically meet weekly and are 30-45 minutes in length. Participants most often consist of similar-aged peers. Music therapy strategies and expertise are utilized to make sure every student is successful to the best of their ability. Age-appropriate and diverse music used to facilitate musical and nonmusical learning while focusing on active music-making in a community setting. Buddy Band Setting: Group music at West Town and partner locations. Participants: Buddy Band programs have previously included participants ages 3 to 15 years of age, grouped with similar-aged peers and potential for cross-generational groups. Particip