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Weekend Background Music Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Harper College

CE Instructor- Voice

Palatine, IL · On-site

The Harper College Community Music and Arts Center seeks a voice instructor to provide instruction ... The position is dependent on enrollment and includes evening and weekend work, as well as ...

Harper College

CE Instructor- Voice

Palatine, IL · On-site

The Harper College Community Music and Arts Center seeks a voice instructor to provide instruction ... The position is dependent on enrollment and includes evening and weekend work, as well as ...

Harper College

CE Instructor- Voice

Palatine, IL · On-site

The Harper College Community Music and Arts Center seeks a voice instructor to provide instruction ... The position is dependent on enrollment and includes evening and weekend work, as well as ...

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All JobsBackground Music JobsWeekend Background Music JobsWeekend Background Music Jobs in Chicago, IL

Weekend Background Music information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.4K

$59.5K

$125.2K

How much do weekend background music jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for weekend background music in Chicago, IL is $59,472.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,200.00 and $65,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a weekend background music job?

A Weekend Background Music job typically involves curating, scheduling, or playing music in venues such as restaurants, cafes, retail stores, or event spaces during weekends. The goal is to create a pleasant and inviting atmosphere for customers or guests by selecting appropriate background tracks that suit the ambiance and clientele. This role may involve working with sound equipment, understanding music genres, and sometimes performing live or managing playlists. Weekend shifts are common due to higher foot traffic and special events. Strong attention to detail and a good sense of mood setting are essential for success in this position.

What are the typical duties and expectations for someone working in weekend background music programming at a venue or broadcast?

In a weekend background music programming role, your primary responsibility is to curate and manage playlists that enhance the atmosphere for customers or listeners, whether in a retail space, hospitality venue, or radio station. You may be expected to monitor audience reactions, adjust music selections on the fly, and ensure sound quality and transitions are smooth. Collaboration with event coordinators, venue managers, or broadcast producers is common to align music choices with the desired mood or event schedule. Attention to detail and the ability to anticipate crowd preferences are crucial for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a background music programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Background Music Programmer, you need a solid understanding of music theory, audio editing, and playlist curation, often supported by experience in music production or audio engineering. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs), music licensing platforms, and sound management systems is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and an ability to interpret the mood and atmosphere desired by clients are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure the music selections enhance the environment and meet both client and audience expectations.

What is the difference between Weekend Background Music vs Weekend Event DJ?

AspectWeekend Background MusicWeekend Event DJ
CredentialsNone required, often self-taught or basic music knowledgeMusic or DJ certification preferred, technical skills
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafes, retail stores, private eventsParties, weddings, corporate events, clubs
Industry UsageBackground ambiance, creating atmosphereEntertainment, active music mixing, audience engagement
Search & Comparison IntentBackground music setup, ambient music jobsDJ services, event entertainment jobs

Weekend Background Music involves playing ambient or playlist music to enhance environments like cafes or retail stores, requiring minimal technical skills. In contrast, Weekend Event DJs actively entertain audiences at parties or weddings, often needing DJ certifications and mixing skills. Both roles are common in the entertainment industry but serve different purposes and environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Background Music jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Background Music jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Weekend Background Music jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Weekend Background Music job openings:

Weekend Background Music jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weekend Background Music job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,472 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Music Therapist- Lake County

Achieve Behavior Alliance Plus LLC

Gary, IN • On-site

$57.15/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description:

Job Title: Music Therapist

Position Type: Independent Contractor

Pay: $57.15

Location: In-Home / Community-Based in Lake County, IN (Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, East Chicago, Hobart, Merrillville, IN)

Preferred Availability: daytime, after school hours, and weekends


Overview

Music Therapists contracted with Achieve Behavior Alliance Plus, LLC provide individualized, evidence-based music therapy services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is a contracted position, and we are intentionally building a network of independent Music Therapy (MT-BC) providers who value flexibility, autonomy, and meaningful community-based work.


Music Therapists at Achieve focus on helping individuals build skills through music-based interventions, emotional regulation, and social engagement. Services are delivered primarily in home and in community settings, supporting real-life skill development and increased independence.


Services are provided under an Independent Contractor Agreement, and providers are not employees of Achieve Behavior Alliance Plus, LLC. Contractors are required to maintain their own Professional Liability insurance. Because providers are not employees, Achieve does not provide Workers’ Compensation or Unemployment Insurance. Any other insurance coverage that may be applicable is the sole responsibility of the Contractor.


Responsibilities

Music Therapists may provide services including, but not limited to:

  • Standardized music therapy assessments
  • Teach and coach caregivers, direct care staff, and team members on music therapy interventions and strategies.
  • Utilize music therapy services to restore, remediate, or rehabilitate an individual to improve functioning and independence.
  • Individualized treatment planning
  • Skill development related to communication, emotional regulation, social interaction, and coping skills
  • Therapeutic support using music-based interventions aligned with client goals
  • Collaboration with families, behavior consultants, case managers, and other team members
  • Ongoing documentation and progress monitoring in accordance with waiver and company requirements
  • Carry out responsibilities consistent with 460 IAC 6-5-15. Services provided under this article for the systematic application of music in the treatment of the physiological and psychosocial aspects of an individual's disability and focusing on the acquisition of nonmusical skills and behaviors.


Requirements:

(All costs associated with obtaining and maintaining requirements are the responsibility of the contractor.)

  • Negative TB test (initial test fee & renewal fees incurred by Contractor)
  • Clean background check
  • Certification: Applicants must hold current Music Therapist–Board Certified (MT-BC) credential.
  • Education: A Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy is required.
  • Insurance: Professional Liability Insurance
  • Valid Driver's License
  • Active Auto Insurance

Qualifications

  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Reliable transportation to and from clients location
  • Active Auto Insurance with Proper Coverage as recommended by an insurance agent for the driving incurred for this position
  • Clean background check
  • Must not be excluded from receiving federal payments for providing healthcare services and consent to searches of the Office of Inspector General List of Excluded Individuals and Entities database monthly
  • Must not be excluded from federal healthcare programs and consent to searches of System for Award Management (SAM)
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and with a team
  • Access to electronic devices with access to internet
  • Experience working with individuals (children and/or adults) with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or Autism
  • Experience working as a Music Therapist preferred
  • Familiarity working with an electronic health/medical record system (EHR/EMR)
  • Familiarity with Google Workspace
  • Working knowledge of HIPAA privacy and security standards