Adaptive Music Teaching Artist

Adaptive Music Teaching Artist

CMSS is hiring a part time Adaptive Music Teaching Artist for 5-15 hour per week position, to start in mid-August 2026.

Overview of Program and Position:

CMSS’ opens in a new windowAdaptive Music Program (AMP) was founded in 2016 to meet the needs of disabled students with high support needs in the Springfield community. Focused on total inclusivity and identity affirmation, AMP’s mission is to ensure that all learners are welcomed into the essential human experiences of making music and connecting with others through music. AMP uses the principles and methods of accessible and adaptive education to improve students’ lives and support their social, academic and artistic development. AMP staff engage in ongoing professional development on neurodivergence affirmation and culturally responsive music pedagogy.

In Springfield, over 25% of public school students have identified disabilities that impact their learning. Music is a proven and effective tool for unlocking learning potential in students with disabilities, however, in both Springfield and the entire country, music education has yet to become a universal component of a child’s education. AMP partners with public schools and education centers throughout the Pioneer Valley, providing adaptive music classes for youth in preschool through high school in their typical classroom setting during the school day. AMP is believed to be the only specialized accessible music education program in the country that delivers its services primarily in public schools where participation barriers like transportation and tuition have been removed. AMP is currently serving more than 750 students.

AMP Teaching Artists report to the AMP Manager. No adaptive music teaching experience necessary. Training in music pedagogy and adaptive music techniques, and ongoing mentoring and support will be provided to successful candidates. Each Teaching Artist will be scheduled to provide adaptive music instruction at school and adult day program placements that last for the duration of the school year. These assignments will be based on each staff member’s interests and availability between one and twenty hours per week.

Responsibilities:

• Teach adaptive music classes designed to engage all learners in AMP partner schools during the school year using a variety of activity formats and musical content, with responsiveness to individual student needs
• Thoughtfully prepare weekly lessons and plans for each class
• Communicate and work closely with partner school staff to accomplish individual student goals, classroom goals and AMP program goals
• Attend and arrive on time for all classes, AMP team meetings, and trainings/workshops or provide advance notice of absence
• As a representative of CMSS, demonstrate respect and compassion in interactions with partner school teachers, staff and administrators
• Communicate with AMP Manager about progress at each school site and any challenges that may arise
• Respond promptly to communications and requests from AMP Manager, CMSS administrative staff, or other faculty

Required Qualifications:

1. Experience as a performing musician, music educator, or music therapist
2. Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusivity and culturally responsive music education, which are foundational to CMSS’ mission
3. Ability to work collaboratively and share responsibility with colleagues, develop and maintain positive working relationships
4. Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills; ability to communicate compassionately and respectfully with people from a different races, ethnicities, cultures, genders, abilities, religions and socioeconomic backgrounds
5. Reliable transportation
6. Demonstrated ability to sing on pitch while accompanying on a portable instrument like guitar or ukulele.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Degree in education, special education, or music
2. Bilingual, English & Spanish

Compensation:

During the training period, training hours, professional development workshops, and staff meetings will be paid at $30 per hour.

Once the Teaching Artist is teaching students, they will be paid $58 per hour for co-teaching and $80 per hour for solo teaching, with an expectation of up to 1 hour of thoughtful preparation time prior to the class. Professional development workshops and staff meetings will be paid at $30 per hour.

Benefits:

Employee discounts, dental and vision insurance, paid professional development, retirement plan match, flexible schedule within school hours

To apply:

• Please send your resume or CV to Sierra Simmons, Director of Finance and Operations, at ssimmons@communitymusicschool.comcreate new email.
• Please indicate the position you are applying for in the subject of your email.
• If you have relevant experience or qualifications that are not explicit on your resume, please explain these in your email.
• If you any videos of your teaching, please send those along as well.