Piano Lab Music Therapist

Position Description

The Gilmore Piano Lab Music Therapist will lead engaging sessions that introduce music as a leisure activity while also using music to support the development of social skills and other music therapy-related goals for young adults with a wide range of physical and cognitive disabilities.. This role involves close collaboration with the administration and educators at KRESA’s Young Adult Program in Kalamazoo.

The position begins in September 2025, with exact teaching hours to be determined based on program enrollment and scheduling needs. Some evening events are required. Additional teaching opportunities may be available.

About The Gilmore

The mission of The Gilmore is to nurture and celebrate a passion for piano music. 

The Irving S. Gilmore International Piano Festival (The Gilmore) promotes and develops world-class musical experiences through its Gilmore Artist Awards; Larry J. Bell Jazz Awards; an annual 10-day music festival featuring the most accomplished international pianists; outstanding piano education and community engagement programs, and the commissioning of new music for the piano.

Desired Qualifications:

A degree in music therapy and board certification (MT-BC).

Experience working with students with a diverse range of disabilities.

Previous experience in leading and instructing groups.

Ability to create and maintain your own schedule.

Experience working with digital keyboards, Google products, Logic X, Synthesia, percussion groups, or guitar.

Basic recording technology experience. 

Minimum commitment of September 2025 through June 2026

Ability to collaborate with other instructors and service providers 

Collaborate with classroom teachers to conduct 4-6-week songwriting units.

Offer piano lab sessions to cultivate a love for music-making using non-traditional teaching techniques such as the Synthesia program.

Organize percussion circles for practicing social behaviors.

Collaborate closely with KRESA staff to create a regular class schedule.

Report attendance and lessons to the Director of Education on a regular basis

If you are concerned that you don’t meet all of the qualifications, but are passionate about the position, please apply anyway. The Gilmore is committed to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace – so if you’re excited about this opportunity, we hope you’ll consider submitting your application. 

Pay Range and Hourly Requirements

This is an hourly part-time position, and pay range is commensurate with experience and skill; starting between $35.00 to $37.00 per hour.

To Apply

Submit a resume and cover letter to:

Adam Schumaker, Director of Education: aschumaker@thegilmore.org

At The Gilmore, we value all employees as unique individuals and we welcome the variety of experiences they bring to us. We have a strict non-discrimination policy and we believe everyone should be treated equally and equitably, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, national origin, native language, religion, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, citizenship, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage qualified candidates who fall within these categories to apply for employment.