Music Therapist​/General Music​/Instrumental Teacher

Music Therapy / General Music / Beginning Instrumental Music Teacher

Position:
Full-Time Music Therapy / General Music / Beginning Instrumental Music Teacher

Location:

Waltham Public Schools

FTE: 1.0

Reports to:

Building Principal(s) and/or Director of Fine and Performing Arts

Salary:
As per the WEA contract

Position Overview

Waltham Public Schools is seeking a full-time Music Therapy / General Music / Beginning Instrumental Music Teacher to join the Fine and Performing Arts Department. This position serves students across multiple settings and grade levels, with music therapy services provided within special education programs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. The position also includes general music and beginning instrumental music instruction at the middle school level.

The successful candidate will be a skilled, student-centered educator and music therapist who can design and deliver developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and engaging music experiences for a wide range of learners. This role requires strong collaboration with special education teams, classroom teachers, related service providers, families, school administrators, and Fine and Performing Arts colleagues.

The ideal candidate understands music as both an instructional and therapeutic tool and is committed to supporting student communication, regulation, social-emotional development, self-expression, creativity, access, and belonging.

Essential Responsibilities

Music Therapy Responsibilities

* Provide music therapy services to students in special education programs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

* Design and implement music therapy experiences aligned with student needs, IEP goals, and team recommendations.

* Collaborate with special education teachers, related service providers, counselors, behavior specialists, and administrators to support student growth.

* Use music-based interventions to support communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, motor development, self-expression, engagement, and access to learning.

* Maintain appropriate documentation of student participation, progress, and service delivery when applicable.

* Participate in IEP/team meetings as needed.

* Adapt instruction, materials, instruments, and activities to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

* Support inclusive and affirming learning environments that honor students' identities, strengths, communication styles, and access needs.

General Music Responsibilities

* Teach middle school general music classes using developmentally appropriate, standards-based instruction.

* Design lessons that support musical creativity, performance, listening, composition, improvisation, reflection, and cultural understanding.

* Align instruction to the Massachusetts Arts Curriculum Framework and district Fine and Performing Arts expectations.

* Create engaging learning experiences that reflect diverse musical traditions, artists, cultures, and student interests.

* Use varied assessment strategies to monitor student understanding and musical growth.

Beginning Instrumental Music Responsibilities

* Support beginning instrumental music at the middle school level.

* Support students in developing foundational instrumental technique, music literacy, ensemble skills, practice habits, and performance readiness.

* Provide differentiated instruction for students with varying levels of prior experience.

* Support recruitment, retention, and access for students beginning instrumental music.

* Collaborate with other instrumental and music staff to support a coherent district music pathway.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Music Therapy, Music Education, or a closely related field.

* Degree, coursework, clinical training, or professional preparation in Music Therapy.

* Eligibility for or possession of appropriate Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education licensure for the assigned music teaching responsibilities.

* Demonstrated knowledge of music therapy practices, special education settings, and inclusive instructional approaches.

* Demonstrated ability to provide effective music instruction to students with diverse learning profiles.

* Strong musicianship and ability to support general music and beginning instrumental instruction.

* Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with students, families, colleagues, service providers, and administrators.

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience providing music therapy services in public school settings.

* Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC) credential

* Experience working with students with disabilities across elementary, middle, and high school levels.

* Experience supporting IEP-aligned services, documentation, and team collaboration.

* Experience teaching middle school general music and/or beginning instrumental music.

* Experience with adaptive music instruction, assistive technology, and accessible music-making tools.

* Ability to play and…