Music Therapy Faculty

Music Therapy Director

TOBY WILLIAMS, MA, MT-BC, LCAT

Name: Toby Williams

I’m from… Santa Cruz, California

I became a music therapist in… 2003

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2011

My inspiration: Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson and all of my students and clients!

Few people know that I… can juggle, do a triple time step, and can recite most any line from Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (The first one)

Education: University of California at Irvine – BA in Psychology, Minor in Music; New York University – MA in Music Therapy, post master’s certification in Vocal Psychotherapy

I play: Voice, guitar and piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors: Sometimes I sing some of the jazz with jazz type people

Personal Teaching Statement: We learn and grow through new experiences, breaking old patterns and improvising.

Biography: I have happily led the music therapy program at BKCM since 2011. As a music therapist, I have worked with neurodiverse children and adults, in inpatient and outpatient psychiatry and with adults in hospital settings. I teach in the music therapy program at New York University: Introduction to Music Therapy and Clinical Vocal Improvisation and work with adults in my clinical practice.

Onsite Clinical Coordinator

MARIE LEWIS, MA, MT-BC, LCAT

Name: Marie Lewis

I’m from: Queens, New York

I became a music therapist in… 2017

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2013. I’ve been affiliated with the conservatory’s music therapy program since 2013, first as a volunteer, then as an intern, and now as a music therapist.

The populations I’ve worked with include… I’ve worked with clients aged 3-21.

The primary population I work with is… Children and adolescents with developmental delays

My inspiration: Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell and Sarah Vaughn

Few people know that I…  have a twin brother.

Education:  University of Massachusetts, Amherst – BA, English
New York University – MA, Music Therapy

I you play:  Guitar, piano, and my voice

Music Therapy Outreach Program Coordinator

DANNYELE CRAWFORD, MS, MT-BC, LCAT-LP

Name: Dannyele Crawford

From: Brooklyn, New York

Education: Piano since the age of 3, violin and voice since 10, guitar for 6 years. I have a BA in Music Education from Kean University and an MS in Music Therapy from Molloy College.

I play and teach: Piano, guitar, voice, violin

Biography: Dannyele Crawford is a board certified music therapist at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. Being a Brooklyn native, Dannyele holds a passion for serving under-resourced communities within NYC and amplifying the voices of those who need it. She believes that music can be used as a tool to improve overall wellbeing, health, promote diversity/inclusion/community and expressivity across populations.

Dannyele’s interests lie in incorporating the use of music technology and overlooked music genres, such as hip-hop, pop, and R&B, in her work to diversify and continue expanding music therapy care. She is passionate about catering to the individual(s) and using the music that they are interested in to cater to their individualized needs and to make their experience of music as enjoyable and beneficial as possible.

Music Therapy

MELISSA HARRIS, MA, MT-BC, LCAT

Name: Melissa Harris

I’m from… Lancaster county, PA

I became a music therapist in… 2013

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2011

The populations I’ve worked with include… children, young adults, and seniors with a wide range of developmental, social and emotional needs

The primary population I work with is…  children with developmental needs

My other clinical specialties:  I am experienced in helping people discover their own abilities and grow those abilities.

My inspiration: My clients inspire me with their joy and determination. My own children inspire me with their boundless creative energy. My colleagues and friends inspire me with their passion and commitment to growth and nurturance. Jack White inspires my own creative music making.

Few people know that I… love backcountry hiking.

Education:  Penn State University – B.S. in Music Education
New York University – M.A. in Music Therapy
Teachers College, Columbia University – M.A. in Curriculum and Teaching

I play:  Flute, guitar, and piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I write my own music and play with friends. I also play chamber music occasionally.

Onsite Therapist Coordinator

HANNAH HERSHMAN, MA, LCAT, MT-BC

Name: Hannah Hershman

I’m from… Chicago, IL

I became a music therapist in… 2013

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2013

The populations I’ve worked with include…  Individuals with special needs, oncology

The primary population I work with is… Individuals with special needs

My inspiration:  Stevie Wonder, Carole King, and my dad 🙂

Few people know that I… want to open my own animal shelter!

Education:  Berklee College of Music – BA, Music Therapy
New York University – MA, Music Therapy

I play:  Voice, piano, and guitar

Music Therapy

MARIANA ASLAN, MA, MT-BC, LCAT

Name:  Mariana Aslan

I’m from… Argentina

I became a music therapist in… 2013

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2014

The populations I’ve worked with include… From newborns to elderly people – working with special needs (autism spectrum disorders, neuro-developmental issues), at-risk children, post-stroke, psych, dementia, palliative care, NICU

The primary population I work with is…  Autism spectrum and other neuro-developmental issues

My inspiration: Nordoff-Robbins, Colwyn Trevarthen, my children, and innumerable musicians

Few people know that I… practiced martial arts for many years (Tai Chi Chuan and Shao Lin Chuan)

Education: Juan José Castro Conservatory (Argentina) – Choral Conductor
CUNY – MM in Vocal Performance
New York University – MA in Music Therapy

I play: Voice, piano, guitar. I like variety 🙂

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I sing periodically in classical music concerts with Theresa Rosas (pianist). I’ve also performed with the Brooklyn Conservatory Community Orchestra a couple of times, and I’ve done some concerts of tango and Argentine folk music

Music Therapy

ARAA BALAJI

Name: Araa Balaji

From: Bangkok, Thailand

My inspiration: Sara Bareilles, Joni Mitchell, John Mayer

Few people know that I… am also a dancer! I am trained in an Indian classical dance form known as Bharatanatyam.

Education: Bachelors of Music in Music Therapy and Psychology, Berklee College of Music

I play and teach: Piano, guitar, voice

Personal Teaching Statement: It is so important to remember that people are so much more than their diagnoses. Each individual in this world has something to offer and we must treat them as such. Music therapy brings individuality to each person that experiences music. We all experience music differently and we should be appreciated and enabled for the things that make us unique.

Biography: Music has been a huge part of my life since I was a little girl. I grew up in Thailand and learned Indian Classical music from my mom and became involved in music ever since. I graduated from Berklee College of Music with a major in Music Therapy and minor in Psychology. Throughout my time at Berklee, I have had the privilege of working with many different individuals including young children, neurodivergent individuals, and individuals with dementia. Music has always been a form of therapy for me and I find it most helpful through songwriting as it brings an honest form of self-expression and self-confidence in being able to write about yourself and your experiences.

At Berklee, I found a new interest in different research methodologies that contribute to the current literature in Music Therapy research. I have worked on research projects with Dr. Suzanne Hanser and Dr. Alicia Bower and am interested in advocacy for bringing music therapy to areas of the world that don’t have the education or access to therapeutic musical experiences.

Music Therapy

CHRISTOPHER CAVARRETTA

Name: Christopher Cavarretta

From: New York City

Education: BA in Music Education, CUNY Queens College; pursuing MA in Music Therapy, New York University

I play and teach: Guitar, ukulele, voice, violin, viola, cello, bass

Biography: I am a second-year part-time student at New York University studying Music Therapy and a full-time music teacher. I work with students in the age range of 5 to 14 with a variety of different social, emotional and physical needs. In addition, I work at a NEST school that integrates students with autism into the program for inclusive education. Therefore, the sessions I develop offer inclusive educational activities that incorporate strategies to ensure everyone’s needs are met.

At eight years old, I started my musical journey on the guitar, playing classic rock and jazz standards. By the time I reached twelve years old, I had started the cello, which became my primary instrument for the next ten years. To this day, music holds several positions in my life, from a stress reliever, a form of expression, and most importantly, a way for me to give back to my community.

I have always wanted to work with children, and the opportunity to do so through music felt the most appropriate. Through my work at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, I intend to encourage the development of our clients through the use of music!

Music Therapy

HAVOVI DESAI

Name: Havovi Desai

From: Cincinnati, Ohio

My inspiration: Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers, Thelonious Monk, Stevie Wonder, Queen, Miles Davis

Education: BA in Music and Psychology, Ohio State University; MA in Music Therapy, New York University

I play and teach: Piano, flute, saxophone, trumpet, guitar, ukulele, voice

My other artistic/musical endeavors: None in New York, but I played a few gigs with my own group in Ohio. My boyfriend is a professional jazz trombonist and we’re hoping to start some duo gigs here soon!

Personal Teaching Statement: As a new music therapist, I am still navigating the different approaches in our field and figuring out the path I want to take in this profession. However, I do already have a strong pull toward Nordoff-Robbins and music centered music therapy. I value music as the core of our work, and I see myself as a musician practicing therapy rather than a therapist who uses music. I operate from a humanistic framework and am influenced by Carl Rogers. I am focused on a client centered approach and working with an individual as a whole being. I believe in the inner music child and the idea that there is music in all of us just waiting to be discovered. I find the music in everything my clients do, and I strive to keep it at the center of our work.

Biography: My name is Havovi and I moved from Ohio to Brooklyn two years ago to pursue music. I received my BA in Music and Psychology from Ohio State University where I spent most of my time in the marching band (C row!) and the jazz department. I got my MA in Music Therapy from NYU. In addition to studying music therapy, I am an aspiring jazz flutist and vocalist.

I have also recently started studying Indian classical music to better understand and connect with my cultural identity. I volunteer for World Wildlife Fund as an environmental activist and I love being outdoors! I also enjoy reading, practicing yoga + meditation, and spending lots of time with my dog, Koa. I am very interested in astronomy and I love stargazing and learning about the constellations.

Professionally, I am about to start my Level 1 training in Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy, and I teach music lessons online each week as well. I am passionate about balancing a career in music therapy, music education and jazz studies. I value music so much and am grateful to be able to follow so many different paths that bring me joy.

MUSIC THERAPY

WOLF (ERIC) FELDMAN, MM, MT-BC

Name: Wolf (Eric) Feldman

From: Edwards, Colorado

Education: Master’s in Music Therapy, Colorado State University

I play and teach: Guitar

My other artistic/musical endeavors: Wolf van Elfmand (both solo and full band)

Biography: Wolf completed his undergraduate degree in Guitar Performance from Berklee College of Music in 2008 and his Masters in Music focusing on Music Therapy from Colorado State University in 2013. For his graduate degree, he studied Neurologic Music Therapy techniques as well as the fundamentals of neuroanatomy and research design. While interning at the Center for Neuro-Rehabilitation in Fort Collins, Wolf worked with clients suffering from stroke, Parkinson’s, and traumatic brain injuries and co-treated with other professionals including Speech, Physical and Occupational Therapists.

Throughout the years, Wolf has served many populations such as Early Childhood Education, Children with Special Needs, Trauma, Veterans, Memory Care, Pediatric Oncology, Adult Oncology, and People Experiencing Homelessness. Beyond music therapy, Wolf is a performer and touring songwriter who has played his original material all across these United States.

Music Therapy

NOA FORT, MA, MT-BC, LCAT-LP

Name: Noa Fort

I’m from: Israel

I became a music therapist in… 2016

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2017

The populations I’ve worked with include… Inpatient psychiatry – adults and children, Outpatient psychiatry – adults, Youth at risk, toddlers with developmental disabilities

The primary population I work with is…   At-risk youth

My other clinical specialties: Development of music therapy programs

My inspiration:  Nina Simone, Meredith Monk, Georgia O’keeffe, Agnes Martin

Few people know that I…  participated in the Israeli Sesame Street as a child singer 🙂

Education: Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance – Bachelor of Music Peformance (jazz piano)
NYU – Master of Arts, Music Therapy

I play:  Piano, voice, and guitar

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  My own band, called Noa Fort and Band, as well as Red Exit and other projects, mainly improvised music

Music Therapy

ERIK GUNDEL, MA, MT-BC

Name:  Erik Gundel

I’m from… Burlington, Vermont

I became a music therapist in… 2017

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2018

The populations I’ve worked with include… the elderly, children and adolescents with developmental delays, adults with mental health issues

The primary population I work with is… children and adolescents with cognitive delays, mental health issues, and on the autism spectrum

My other clinical specialties include… outpatient mental health and community music therapy

My inspiration: Joni Mitchell, Brian Eno, Jim O’Rourke, Miles Davis, Aphex Twin, Scott Walker, Prince, Scharpling & Wurster, Andrei Tarkovsky, friends, family, collaborators

Few people know that I… enjoy cooking

Education: Skidmore College – BA
New York University – MA

I play: Guitar, bass, banjo, piano, drums, percussion

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I play in a band named Gemma, for which I write music and produce.

MUSIC THERAPY

LLOYD MILLER, MA, MT-BC, LCAT-LP

Name: Lloyd Miller

From: Odessa, Florida

My inspiration: All the clients, patients, and students I’ve worked with over the years

Education: MA, Music Therapy, New York University

I play and teach: Guitar, Ukulele, Bass, Electric Bass, Voice

My other artistic/musical endeavors: The Deedle Deedle Dees (an educational rock band that performs for family audiences), The Swayze Lift (early jazz + 80s covers), Lloyd H. Miller & His All-Star Band (jazz, pop, R&B, country), Chris Johnson and the Coney Island Players (early jazz, surf, 50s, 60s, blues and early rock-n-roll) + too many more to list.

Personal Teaching Statement: I believe that everyone can make music. My job as a therapist and musician is to find the music inherent in all people.

Biography: Lloyd H. Miller (MT-BC) came to music therapy after many years as a performing musician, teaching artist, and writer. He’s the founder and frontman of the Deedle Deedle Dees, a long-running band that performs original songs inspired by history, science, and folklore. He is also a regularly-gigging musician performing early jazz, R&B, klezmer, bluegrass, pop songs, and other genres as a bassist, guitarist, and singer.

In NYC, Lloyd is known by families for his weekly community sing-a-longs at a variety of venues. Online, he’s known as the creator of an extensive catalog of videos featuring interactive educational music. He has music-directed many theatrical productions and has co-written many original musicals with children of all ages. He graduated from NYU’s graduate program in music therapy and also holds an MFA in film from Columbia. He has lived in Brooklyn for many years and is thrilled to be part of the Conservatory community.

Music Therapy

ANTHONY RISCICA, MA, MT-BC, LCAT

Name: Anthony J. Riscica Jr.

I’m from… Long Island City, NY

I became a music therapist in… 2018

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2018

The populations I’ve worked with include…  Children on the Autism Spectrum, At-Risk Youth, Adults and Children with Developmental Disabilities, Adult/Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatry, Adolescents with Trauma, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

The primary population I work with is…  At-Risk Youth, Children with Developmental Disabilities

My other clinical specialties:  Adaptive Music Lessons

My inspiration: John Bonham, Tony Williams, Stevie Wonder, Albert Einstein, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Leonardo DaVinci

Few people know that I…  Have played trombone since I was 8 years old.

Education:  SUNY – Purchase College (Bachelors Degree in Jazz Performance – Drum Set)
New York University

I play: Drums, guitar, piano, voice, bass, guitar, vocals (singing and rapping), recording software

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I play drums for the Blue Man Group. I teach private music lessons. I record, engineer, and produce in studios.

Music Therapy

MARCUS ROMAN

Name: Marcus Roman

From: Ossining, New York

My inspiration: Some of my biggest musical influences are Prince, George Clinton and Jeff Buckley.

Few people know that I… at least until they get to know me, am a huge basketball fan and a passionate cook.

Education: Berklee College of Music

I play and teach: Piano, trumpet, guitar, electric bass, voice

My other artistic/musical endeavors: 

Personal Teaching Statement: I am firmly in the belief that every person is deserving of help, and more importantly, is given the chance to live a fulfilling life. There are an abundance of ways in which music and music therapy can help turn this belief into a reality. Furthermore, it must be our jobs as therapists and our duty as people outside of our professions to advocate for ways in order to make that reality available for all.

Biography: After initially having little success in other majors at Berklee College of Music, a roommate of mine suggested that I apply for the music therapy program. Since then, I have found a way to apply my love of sharing music with others by discovering a field aimed towards providing care for people with the skills that I have.

Throughout my time at Berklee, I was given the privilege of working with patients with dementia, patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries and working with children ages six and below. This is where I discovered my passion for working with children. This passion would extend beyond music therapy as well, where I would spend my free time playing basketball with the children around the neighborhood and becoming a surrogate “big brother” to some of them.

I began playing trumpet in the 3rd grade, where I would later be a part of the school band, marching band and jazz band from then through the end of High School. During that time, I taught myself how to sing and play guitar. After spending a few years performing at local shows, I decided to audition for Berklee College of Music as a vocalist. Here I continued to develop my love for performance and learned more about the power of community in music through my cultural roots, and found that this power lives within music therapy as well. I hope to continue to develop ways in which I can share this power with others as a musician, a music therapist and as a person.

MUSIC THERAPY

JAKE ROSENBERG, BA, MT-BC

Music Therapy

STEPHANIE SCHECTER, MA, MT-BC, LCAT

Name: Stephanie Schecter

From: Rome, Georgia

I started teaching music in… 2016

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2019

My inspiration:My dad was my first musical inspiration. Because he was the drummer of his band, they would rehearse at our house, which allowed me to grow up around live music and classic rock. In long car rides though, it was mostly Nirvana and The Beatles “Help!” album. As my musical inspirations grew over the years, incorporating many of the great female singers of the 90s and early 2000s, I began performing my own music as a singer/songwriter by age 16. I continue to perform under an alias with my band and get most inspired by the current indie rock, alt-pop music from artists like Samia, Charlie Hickey and Phoebe Bridgers.

Education: College of Charleston – BA, Music Theory/Composition; Graduate Equivalency Degree in Music Therapy – University of Georgia; New York University – MA, Music Therapy

I play and teach: Piano, guitar, ukulele, percussion, voice

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I am also a singer/songwriter and front my indie rock/alt pop band, Ellajay.

Personal Teaching Statement: I believe in the humanistic approach to music therapy and work through the lens of trauma-informed care. I strive to help empower my students, reflecting their strengths, building their self-esteem, creating a sense of community and teaching skills to regulate emotions, all while providing opportunities for meaningful and creative self-expression.

Biography: Stephanie Schecter, MA, LCAT-LP, has been a board-certified music therapist since 2016. She has specialized primarily with children with emotional and behavioral difficulties in elementary schools, as well as with adults and adolescents in psychiatric hospitals. Stephanie has been working at elementary schools and preschools through BKCM’s music therapy outreach program since 2019, where she supports the social, emotional, psychological and developmental needs of historically underserved children. She will be leading weekly on-site sessions at BKCM, starting in the fall 2022, for adults with intellectual and developmental delays. Stephanie leads small music therapy groups through a variety of ways, including but not limited to musical improvisations in different styles and genres, songwriting, drumming, hip-hop and beat-making, music listening/discussion, sing-a-longs, dancing or drawing to music, and music relaxation techniques. Stephanie is primarily a singer and guitarist, and often uses percussion, piano, ukulele, as well as music technology, in her sessions.

Music Therapy

NICOLETTE (NIKKI) SCHOEN BA, MT-BC

Name: Nicolette Schoen

I’m from: Tarrytown, NY

I became a music therapist in… 2013

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2013

The populations I’ve worked with include…  Geriatrics, psychiatric, early childhood, autism-spectrum disorders, developmental disorders

The primary population I work with is…   Early childhood/pre-school

My other clinical specialties: incorporating songwriting into music therapy

My inspiration: Joni Mitchell & Oliver Sacks

Few people know that I… am a hardcore Yankee fan

Education:  Berklee College of Music – BM in Music Therapy

I play:  Voice, guitar, piano, and percussion

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  My father is a musician (keyboard/organ) and songwriter so we have always shared a special musical bond. Whenever I am home in Tarrytown we will write music and perform together.

Music Therapy

JENNA SMITH, MA, MT-BC, LCAT

Name: Jenna Smith

I’m from: Raleigh, North Carolina

I became a music therapist in… 2011

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2012

The populations I’ve worked with include… Children & adolescents with emotional & behavioral difficulties, people of all ages diagnosed with Autism and developmental disabilities, adults with mental illness, older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia

The primary population I work with is…  At-risk children with emotional & behavioral difficulties

My other clinical specialties:  Songwriting, free play, elements of music psychotherapy

Who’s your inspiration, musical or otherwise?  Linda Ronstadt, Meryl Streep, Stevie Nicks, Maya Angelou

Few people know that I… said I wanted to be “on broadway” when I grew up!

Education: Bachelor’s in Music Therapy, Appalachian State University (Boone, North Carolina) – voice concentration
Master’s in Music Therapy, University of Jyväskyla (Jyväskyla, Finland)

I play:  Guitar, voice, piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I’m a singer/songwriter & front dreamy pop band called Jenna & the Janes

Music Therapy

RAFAEL STEPTO, MA, MT-BC, LCAT

Name: Rafael Stepto

I’m from… Brooklyn, NY

I became a music therapist in… 2015

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2015

The populations I’ve worked with include…  Children, the medically fragile, people living with dementia

The primary population I work with is…  Children

My other clinical specialties:  Medical, Dementia

My inspiration: Anyone who is immersed in what they are doing.

Few people know that I…  love to build and look at furniture.

Education:  The New School
New York University – Masters in Music Therapy

I play:  Guitar, piano, and voice

Music Therapy

CHRISTINA STERRETT CALIZ, MA, MT-BC, LCAT

Name: Christina Sterrett

I’m from: Kobe, Japan

I became a music therapist in… 2010

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2011

The populations I’ve worked with include… Adults and children with developmental disabilities, including autism, Down’s syndrome, William’s syndrome, speech delays, global delays

The primary population I work with is… Children with developmental disabilities

My inspiration:  Sergei Rachmaninov

Few people know that I… speak Japanese

Education: Geneva College – BA, music and voice
New York University – MA, Music Therapy

I play:  Piano, guitar, and voice

MUSIC THERAPY, MUSIC SPECIALIST

HEATHER SWEENEY, BA

Name: Heather Sweeney

From: Montclair, New Jersey

My inspiration: Coldplay, Sufjan Stevens, Big Thief, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beatles, and so many more!

Education: Studied music therapy with a minor in psychology at Berklee College of Music

I play and teach: Piano, Guitar, Percussion, Voice

Biography: Music therapy has been in my life long before I even knew what it was. Music has undeniably served as a vessel for human connection and emotion, whether it was for myself or others. When I went to college, I finally learned about the profession that encompassed all of what music had given me growing up, showing me the tools I needed to pursue music therapy for real. I feel grateful to be a part of the community that BKCM has created so I can continue using music to make a difference in the lives of others.

Since moving to New York City, I have spent my free time going birding in Central Park, which is a hobby that makes me feel grounded and connected to nature! In addition, I love songwriting and the process of searching for the right words to express the myriad of feelings that people experience throughout their lives. I also consider people-watching one of my favorite activities because NYC is full of unique and creative individuals who express themselves in endlessly fascinating ways. If you see me around, please don’t hesitate to say hello!

Music Therapy Intern

OLIVIA TETUAN B.A.

Name: Olivia Tetuan

From: New York

My inspiration: Sara Bareilles, Chris Stapleton

Education: Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA

I play and teach: Piano, Guitar, Voice

Personal Teaching Statement: I believe in meeting each child where they are at, focusing mainly on a strengths-based perspective and understanding that each child is different. My goal as a therapist is to make sure every child feels seen and heard and to give them the tools to live a life that is complete to their own.

Biography:  I completed my Music Therapy internship at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music where I worked with at risk youth and children with special needs from the ages of 5-18 in schools in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

​I have also worked with psychiatric patients; children suffering from emotional and behavioral trauma; Alzheimer’s, dementia and cancer patients. ​

I have been singing and playing piano since I was 5 years old, and have loved music ever since. I later learned to play the guitar in college. I have always loved working with children throughout my young adult life and have a special place in my heart for children with special needs.

MUSIC THERAPY

FAKOYA JACK-VILMAR, MS, MT-BC

Name: Fakoya Jack-Vilmar

From: Brooklyn, New York

My inspiration: Maya Angelou, Will Smith and my parents. My dad for his quick wit and tranquil vibes, and my mom for her grace, focus and self-determination 🙂

Few people know that I… have been to eleven countries outside of the U.S. #travelisthebesteducation

Education: BM in Music Therapy, Baldwin Wallace University; MS in Music Therapy, Molloy College

I play and teach: Piano, saxophone, bassoon, guitar, voice

Personal Teaching Statement: Everyone has the ability to be reached through music.

Biography: Music has always played a significant role in my life. The songs, sounds, leaps and bounds program at the Brooklyn Conservatory instilled my musical foundation from age one and led me to subconsciously develop my passion for music. From learning piano, to wind instruments at a neighborhood music studio ran by a woman that looked like me, I learned the importance of role models and giving back to the community and was inspired to work towards making the arts accessible to everyone. These two experiences in addition to my interest in science led me to completing my Bachelor’s of Music in Music Therapy at Baldwin Wallace University, becoming a Board Certified Music Therapist, and pursuing my Master’s of Science in Music Therapy at Molloy College. Being a part of the Conservatory staff, has always been a dream of mine, because of its impact on my music therapy journey (from taking bassoon lessons from the phenomenal Sara Schoenbeck, to observing a music therapist while in undergrad) and am so excited to be a part of this team!

I’ve been a board certified music therapist for three years and have worked with children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, developmental, emotional, social or intellectual needs, and older adults with various disabilities in a hospice setting.

Music Therapy Program Evaluation Coordinator

CAROLINE VIOLANTE MA, MT-BC

Name: Caroline Violante

I’m from… Clover, SC

I became a music therapist in… I am currently completing my clinical internship at the Brooklyn Conservatory in order to fulfill my Master’s requirement, so sometime in the next year I will be able to take my board-certification to become a licensed music therapist.

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… This is my first year.

The populations I’ve worked with include… Children with autism spectrum disorders and geriatric patients

The primary population I work with is…  Children with developmental or physical disabilities

My other clinical specialties:  Medical, Dementia

My inspiration: Toby Williams, my supervisor and the music therapy program director at BKCM (and I’m definitely not just saying this to get an A in class). Otherwise, my family continues to be an amazing support system, constantly filling me with compassion and teaching me patience

Few people know that I…  have two different sized feet. And I am a professional harpist. 

Education:  Furman University: BM in Harp Performance
New York University: MA Music Therapy

I play:  The piano, guitar, kazoo, and harp.