Get rhythmic with your practice! Join BKCM Music Therapist and professional drummer Anthony Riscica, MA, LCAT, MT-BC for a CE workshop on January 8: Finding a Beat, Keeping a Beat.
What is Music Therapy?
Music Therapy is an evidence-based clinical discipline where music is used to effect positive change and foster creative expression in children and adults. In addition to achieving clinical goals and improving social functioning of those with different abilities, Music Therapy provides people with opportunities to expand their lives and explore issues through creative expression.
THE BKCM MUSIC THERAPY INSTITUTE
In the fall of 2026, BKCM is expanding – and launching a new Music Therapy Institute ! The institute will work to advance the field of clinical creative arts therapies in NYC and nationally through workforce training, research, and advocacy.
MUSIC THERAPY ON NEWS12
VIDEO
This beautiful segment on News12’s “Rebuilding Brooklyn” is about BKCM’s expansion project, but its also about about Danielle’s incredible journey as a vocalist and performer in BKCM’s music therapy program, alongside her music therapist Hannah.
NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE
A recent Sunday New York Times article provides an in-depth look at our music therapists’ work with children at a shelter in Brooklyn – one of over 50 community-based organizations we partner with to provide music therapy across New York City.
ON-SITE MUSIC THERAPY
In music therapy, the developmental, emotional, psychological and social needs of children and adults are addressed through active music-making in a relationship with a music therapist.
All music therapy sessions at BKCM are registered by semester and run for 15 weeks. Sessions are scheduled on an individual basis to best meet the needs of clients and their families. Clients may register up to 10 weeks into a semester and pay a prorated tuition based upon the remaining weeks in the semester.
OUTREACH PARTNERSHIPS
BKCM’s Music Therapy Outreach Program serves over 2700 folks across over 50 sites in all five boroughs. Each program is unique in response to the variety of communities, strengths, challenges, and goals of the partner site and participants. We provide music therapy services to public and private schools, developmental preschools, social service agencies and shelters, memory care units, and adult day hab programs. Each program is set up individually depending on what works for the site, what particular skills and client population experience is needed, and what financial arrangement is possible.
If you are interested in setting up a music therapy program at your site, don’t hesitate to contact Dannyele Crawford , BKCM Music Therapy Outreach Coordinator, at dannyele.crawford@bkcm.org .
Music Therapy Testimonials To view more testimonials, swipe right or left.
Full 1
“I can’t say enough how much we love the Music Therapy program at BKCM! Charlotte has been in it since nearly the beginning of the program and it has been a huge part of helping her become the amazing young woman she is today. Even aside from the excellent therapists, supportive staff, and personal music education, music therapy has broadened our community and given us deep and enduring friendships.”
Full 1
“Some of my students were not talking in my classroom. After a few sessions of music therapy, they started to relax and communicate with the staff. What they like to do during the time. Which song or instrument was their favorite. Their voice was being heard and respected.”
Full 1
“Our son has been part of the music therapy program at BKCM for about four years now. He has a rare genetic disorder and a significant intellectual disability. Through music, that seems to fade away. While nonverbal, he “sings” with a musicality that feels like a key to language for him. He plays the piano, guitar, and drums and is able to express himself. His therapist has a beautiful connection with Asher and plays his favorite songs, from Broadway to Moana to pop. We have seen his communication skills and independence grow, and believe that the joy he experiences at BKCM and the relationship he has built are a big contributor.”
Full 1
“Some students who used to be nonverbal are now using more words and can even respond with “Yes” and “No” answers. I have seen improvement on my students on their language skills and social skills.”
Full 1
“One of my students used to only listen to music on iPad now he enjoys playing the instruments and listening to the instructor sing and play. This student enjoys music therapy so much that he is starting to show interest instruments like the guitar, he is even trying a few strokes. That is a huge improvement for a student that is very rigid with his routines.”
Full 1
“My five-year-old daughter who has cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus looks forward to her music therapy class weekly. It’s an amazing space where she can just be herself. Some days, she’s a singer and dancer; other times she explores the instruments. I have seen her confidence increase and her ability to transition improve tremendously. We have had different therapists throughout the years, and they have all been kind, patient, and extremely knowledgeable. We are grateful to have a very special place like BKCM.”
To enroll in our Music Therapy program, families must first schedule a consultation with our faculty. Please email Marie Lewis (marie.lewis@bkcm.org ) to inquire. Our department head:
Toby Williams, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Music Therapy Program Director
718-622-3300 ext. 216 | toby.williams@bkcm.org
For our outreach programs:
Dannyele Crawford, MS, LCAT, MT-BC
Music Therapy Outreach Program Coordinator
dannyele.crawford@bkcm.org
For our on-site programs:
Marie Lewis, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Onsite Clinical Coordinator
718-622-3300 ext. 212 | marie.lewis@bkcm.org
Financial Aid & Program Costs
Financial aid is available! If you’d like to apply now, please submit your application here .
If you have any questions regarding financial aid, email kris.mandapat@bkcm.org .
Music Therapist
Anthony Riscica, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Anthony Riscica, MA, LCAT, MT-BC is a musician, board certified music therapist, and licensed creative arts therapist from New York City. He graduated with a master’s degree in music therapy from NYU in 2018 and attained his BFA from SUNY-Purchase in 2002 in Jazz Performance (Drums). He now works primarily as a psychotherapist with all ages and varying abilities.
Anthony was a drummer for the Blue Man Group from 2009-2022 performing shows in NYC, Las Vegas, Orlando, Boston, and Chicago. He has also toured around the world with BMG and other performers/groups. Anthony has recorded and composed around the world in many different settings since 1998 including work for VH-1, Nickelodeon, and National Geographic.
Education: MA, Music Therapy, New York University; BFA, Jazz Performance, SUNY-Purchase
Anthony Riscica, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Music Therapist
Brianna Jones, MA, MT-BC
Brianna has been a board-certified music therapist since 2015, and has mainly worked with preschool age children with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Through her time at the Brooklyn Conservatory, she has also started to work with older children, ranging from 2.5 to 10 years of age.
My parents always say that I have been singing since I was small, that it just seemed natural. I would sit and watch Disney movies, singing along at the foot of their bed. I sang in choirs throughout my childhood and ended up going to high school for music at Edward R. Murrow. I also started taking guitar lessons in high school so that I could accompany myself when performing. Every performance pushed me towards my love for music, but it wasn’t until I was looking into colleges that I realized music therapy was the career I wanted. The idea that I could use something I loved to help and work with others just seemed like a no brainer. My schooling encouraged me to develop a humanistic approach that focuses on meeting clients where they are and taking their lead through our musical journey. Something I am passionate about is helping children communicate in ways that are completely comfortable to them, so I work closely with the speech therapists at my preschool job to learn about new ways to encourage all forms of communication. Everyone deserves to be heard!
Education: M.A., Music Therapy, Berklee College of Music; B.A., Music Therapy, Molloy College
email: brianna.jones@bkcm.org
Brianna Jones, MA, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Evaluation Coordinator
Caroline Violante, MA, LCAT-LP, MT-BC
Caroline Violante is a board certified music therapist working at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music since 2018. She works primarily alongside those in the autism community as well as in early childhood development. After completing her undergraduate at Furman University with her Bachelor of Music in harp performance, Caroline chose to transition into the music therapy field, preferring to focus on the elements of music that provide engagement, connection, and self-expression. She received her Masters of Arts in music therapy from New York University and has remained a music therapist in NYC since. Caroline works in a client-centered and largely improvisatory model, allowing space for her clients to express themselves through musical exploration. She also provides adaptive piano and voice lessons for those wishing to develop specific music skills. Caroline loves music’s ability to foster relationships, inspire creativity, and create joy.
Education: MA, Music Therapy, New York University; BA, Music – Harp Performance, Furman University.
Caroline Violante, MA, LCAT-LP, MT-BC
Evaluation Coordinator
Music Therapist
Charay Allison, BA, MT-BC
Charay Allison, MT-BC, is a graduate of Howard University. She is very excited to join BKCM’s team and be a part of a community of music therapists and all of the amazing work music therapy holds.
Education: B.A., Music Therapy, Howard University
Charay Allison, BA, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Music Therapist
Chrissy Bernard, BA, MT-BC
Chrissy Bernard is a dedicated board-certified music therapist and a songwriter from Massachusetts. During her studies at Berklee College of Music, Chrissy discovered the transformative power of music therapy. While at Berklee, she was fortunate to provide music for a varied clientele, ranging from children with disabilities and older adults to veterans. She is excited to join the team at Brooklyn Conservatory and to create music with the community. In her free time, Chrissy loves to write songs and visit local jazz clubs. She also is an avid portrait photographer, and often takes photos of local musicians.
Education: B.M. in Music Therapy, Berklee College of Music
Chrissy Bernard, BA, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Music Therapist
Daniel Saks, BA, MT-BC
Daniel Saks, BA, MT-BC is a board-certified music therapist with a background in early childhood music education. He holds a degree in Music Therapy from Slippery Rock University and studied music and audio engineering at the New School. Additionally, Daniel is trained in Orff-Schulwerk, which informs his creative and flexible approach to music therapy. Daniel’s approach is client-centered, with a deep appreciation for the diverse ways music can be used to meet the individual needs of each person. Whether working with an individual or a group, he is passionate about creating moments of connection, self-expression and joy through music.
Education: BA, Music Therapy, Slippery Rock University; BA, Music, The New School
Daniel Saks, BA, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Outreach Program Coordinator
Dannyele Crawford, MS, LCAT, MT-BC
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
Education: M.S., Music Therapy, Molloy College; B.A., Music Education, Kean University
email: dannyele.crawford@bkcm.org
Dannyele Crawford, MS, LCAT, MT-BC
Outreach Program Coordinator
Music Therapist
Destiny Williams, MA, MT-BC
Destiny is a board-certified music therapist from Chesapeake, Virginia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from Howard University and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in music therapy at New York University. Throughout her training, Destiny has had the opportunity to apply her expertise in various settings, including working with children and adolescents experiencing developmental delays. Her dedication to utilizing music as a therapeutic tool has enabled her to foster meaningful connections and facilitate growth in individuals facing diverse challenges. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and watching movies!
Education: M.A., Music Therapy, New York University; B.M., Music Therapy, Howard University
Destiny Williams, MA, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Music Therapist
Dori Stern, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Dori’s love of music began to develop in her family, where she was surrounded by singing, playing instruments, and listening to CD’s, concert recordings, and the radio. She played string bass in high school orchestra while slowly teaching herself how to play guitar, starting at 14. In undergrad, she started songleading and singing in groups and after graduating with a degree in psychology, gained work experience leading music groups with neurodiverse children.
After 6 years working as an ABA therapist and assistant teacher in special education settings, Dori left to begin graduate school in music therapy at NYU. During her time in grad school and the years prior to starting at BKCM, she gained experience working with neurodiverse children, children at underserved schools, people in psychiatric hospitals, elderly folks in nursing homes and senior centers, and people doing long-term rehabilitation from illnesses and serious injuries. Dori has a passion for working with neurodiverse children, playing guitar, and learning about new music from friends, colleagues, and clients. She is inspired by her mom for her creativity, her dad for his natural musicality, Brandi Carlile, Jacob Collier, anything soulful, Alicia Keys and Peter, Paul and Mary.
Education: MA, Music Therapy, New York University; BA, Psychology, Brandeis University
email: doriana.stern@bkcm.org
Dori Stern, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Music Therapist
Fakoya Jack-Vilmar, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Fakoya is a board-certified music therapist specializing in working within the Deaf community, the Autism community, and other adults and children with developmental needs in the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens. She received her Bachelor’s of Music in Music Therapy from Baldwin Wallace University and a Master’s of Science in Music Therapy from Molloy University. As a previous student at the Brooklyn Conservatory and other community music schools, Fakoya organically combined her passion for using music therapeutically and making the arts accessible through her music therapy work in diverse communities. Her philosophy emphasizes a client-centered, holistic approach, incorporating a supportive and empowering therapeutic environment that is specifically tailored for each client. Fakoya often works in an improvisatory model, and meets her clients where they are, providing grounding and space for them to express themselves through musical exploration.
During her experience working with the Deaf Community through the Conservatory since 2022, Fakoya has developed a passion for learning about and working with this population. By fostering meaningful, inclusive, music experiences through vibrations, rhythm, movement, and American Sign Language, her goal is to continue celebrating diversity, collaboration, and connection through the impactful power of music.
Education : M.S. in Music Therapy, Molloy University; B.M. in Music Therapy, Baldwin Wallace University.
Fakoya Jack-Vilmar, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Clinical Intern: New York University
Genevieve Sims
Genevieve Sims is a clinical intern at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. An Irish American born and raised in the Monongahela, Shawnee & Osage lands of Pittsburgh, PA, Genevieve came to New York to pursue education and singer-songwriter work. After finding a passion for prison abolition organizing, Genevieve started working at the NYC ROSES Youth Advocacy Program, where she still supervises advocacy for 11-18 year old girls, GNC & trans youth who are experiencing legal, child welfare, and school system challenges. For Genevieve, pursuing music therapy is a natural culmination of personal and professional experiences. She truly believes in music as a form of accessible medicine, personal well-being and a tool of liberation work, and is excited to be advancing her skill set under the guidance of BKCM’s talented team of music therapists.
Education: M.A., Music Therapy, New York University (in progress); B.S., Applied Psychology & Global Public Health, New York University
Genevieve Sims
Clinical Intern: New York University
Community Coordinator
Hannah Hershman, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Hannah is a board-certified music therapist and licensed creative arts therapist specializing in working within the autism community. She holds a Bachelor’s in Music Therapy from Berklee College of Music and a Master’s in Music Therapy from New York University, where her passion for using music as a therapeutic tool flourished. Dedicated to a client-centered approach, Hannah tailors her interventions to meet the unique needs and preferences of each individual she works with. Her philosophy centers around creating an inclusive and empowering therapeutic environment that fosters meaningful connections through music. Within her work at the conservatory since 2013, Hannah has found an immense passion in organizing community performances and events aimed at celebrating neurodiversity on a broader scale. By creating and fostering inclusive musical gatherings, Hannah’s goal is to create a space where everyone can come together, share their voice, and collectively celebrate through the transformative power of music.
Education: M.A., Music Therapy, New York University; B.M., Music Therapy, Berklee College of Music
email: hannah.hershman@bkcm.org
Hannah Hershman, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Community Coordinator
Music Therapist
Heather Sweeney, BA, MT-BC
Heather is a board-certified music therapist who values musical exploration as a way to deepen one’s sense of self through expression and creativity. She earned her degree in music therapy from Berklee College of Music and has experience working with a diverse range of clients from her various clinical practicums throughout the program. Heather incorporates both structure and fluidity in her sessions. She allows the client to contribute their preferences and desires and tailors the session around the client’s clinical goals and personal interests.
“Music has been a vessel for human connection, self-discovery and communication for centuries. When I began my undergraduate degree in music therapy with a minor in psychology, all the meaningful musical experiences I had participated in over the years started to make a lot more sense as to why they had been so beneficial. My greatest pursuit is to bring music to all who need it and who can benefit from the incredible effect that music can have on the brain.”
Education: B.M. in Music Therapy, Berklee College of Music
Heather Sweeney, BA, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Clinical Intern: Molloy University
Helena Rosasco
Helena Rosasco (she/her) is a senior Music Therapy student at Molloy University. She is excited to develop and flourish both musically and clinically at BKCM. In her training so far, she has had the privilege of working within special education programs for children and young adults with diagnoses of traumatic brain injury and multiple disabilities. This work had deepened her passion for creating music experiences as a way to foster connection and autonomy.
In addition to clinical training, Helena is also a classically trained vocalist doing freelance work as a professional Alto in community and semi-professional choirs. In her free time, she loves spending time with friends and relaxing at home with a comfort show. She looks forward to bringing her unique voice, creativity, and warmth to the BKCM community!
Education: B.S. in Music Therapy (in progress) at Molloy University.
Helena Rosasco
Clinical Intern: Molloy University
Music Therapist
Jake Rosenberg, BA, MT-BC
Jake discovered the field of music therapy as a way to bridge a love of musical creation with his strong desire to facilitate positive impact in community spaces and on a broader scale. Alongside his clinical work, he has been creating and performing original music for many years, and knows personally how critical a role music has played in his life as an anchor to a deeply felt sense of purpose and meaning. Jake is passionate about using the gift of music as a tool to help folks connect more deeply with themselves and the world around them through authentic self-expression and their inner sense of worthiness and belonging through the versatility that music making holds as a vehicle of centering what is essential for our collective navigation of life.
Education: B.M. in Music Therapy with a Minor in Psychology, Berklee College of Music
Jake Rosenberg, BA, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Music Therapist
Lloyd Miller, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Lloyd is a board-certified music therapist and licensed creative arts therapist who believes that the ability to make music is inherent in all people. Prior to becoming a music therapist he played for family audiences all over the country as the leader of the Deedle Deedle Dees, an educational rock band specializing in original songs based on history, science, and folklore. He draws on his experiences as a performing and teaching artist in order to help his clients build confidence, express their feelings, and tell the unique stories of their lives. Much of his work is in school settings with children with disabilities. He also works with senior citizens in memory care and facilitates a rock band program for neurodivergent teenagers.
Education: MA, Music Therapy, New York University
Lloyd Miller, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Onsite Clinical Coordinator
Marie Lewis, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Marie is a board certified music therapist and licensed creative arts therapist born and raised in NYC. She is an adjunct faculty member at New York University and the clinical coordinator for BKCM’s music therapy program. Relationship and collaboration have always been at the root of her love for music which began in early childhood, singing and making music at home with family. These experiences started her on the path to music therapy, a clinical practice that emphasizes music as a potent medium for supporting emotional expression, connection and self-actualization.
After receiving her BA in English at UMass-Amherst, Marie briefly explored performance and songwriting as a self-taught guitarist and vocalist in various NYC venues while also working in the non-profit education field. Her journey as a music therapist began after observing and volunteering at BKCM. Inspired to reimagine the role of music in her own life and its potential to support connection and social-emotional growth, Marie obtained her MA in music therapy from NYU. Since then, Marie has continued to develop a strengths-based, holistic therapeutic approach, learning and growing alongside the neurodiverse children and adults she is privileged to work with.
Education: M.A. in Music Therapy, New York University; B.A. in English, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
email: marie.lewis@bkcm.org
Marie Lewis, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Onsite Clinical Coordinator
Clinical Intern: Berklee College of Music
Matthew Fink
Matthew Fink (he/they) is a music therapy intern from Berklee College of Music. Originally from Denver, CO, Matthew is looking forward to growing as a music therapist while at BKCM. While at Berklee, Matthew had the opportunity to work with a variety of populations, including students with developmental disabilities, adults receiving short-term psychiatric inpatient care, and elderly residents in a memory care unit. Matthew’s primary instrument is the guitar, but they also sing and play the piano. In their free time, Matthew enjoys watching soccer, seeing movies at the theatre, and playing board and card games. Matthew is very excited to be a part of the BKCM team!
Education: B.A., Berklee College of Music
Matthew Fink
Clinical Intern: Berklee College of Music
Music Therapist
Melissa Harris, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Melissa is a board-certified music therapist and licensed creative arts therapist with a first career in instrumental music education. She holds a M.A. in Music Therapy from New York University, a B.S. in Music Education from Penn State University, and a M.A. in Curriculum & Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University. Melissa is passionate about the vast potentials of music engagement to nurture therapeutic and personal growth across the lifespan, support connections, and build community. In recent years, Melissa has discovered a passion for using the intersections of her two careers to engage with music therapists and music educators at BKCM through supervision, consultation, and small group workshops. Melissa is grateful for these opportunities to contribute positively to the thriving community at BKCM
Education: MA in Music Therapy, New York University; MA in Curriculum and Teaching, Teachers College at Columbia University; BS in Music Education, Penn State University
email: melissa.harris@bkcm.org
Melissa Harris, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Music Therapist
Michelle Geisler, MA, LCAT, MT-BC, NMT
Michelle Geisler is a Board-Certified Music Therapist, Neurologic Music Therapist, and Licensed Creative Arts Therapist based in New York City. She brings experience across diverse settings, including public and private schools serving children with varying support needs, pediatric medical and intensive care units, and inpatient psychiatric care for children and adolescents. Michelle has also served as a supervisor of mental health services at a school for students with high-support needs and led efforts to support both students and staff In her role as a Crisis Prevention and Intervention trainer and team leader, where she specialized in preventing, de-escalating, and responding to crisis situations. Before pursuing music therapy, Michelle worked in the theatre industry in NYC and all around the US, and she spent many summers as the director of visual and performing arts programming at an overnight camp in southern Pennsylvania. She completed her graduate studies in music therapy at New York University, where she had the opportunity to train and collaborate with the Music Therapy team at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. She is thrilled to now be back as a member of that same team!
Michelle Geisler, MA, LCAT, MT-BC, NMT
Music Therapist
Music Therapist
Missy Fogarty, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
At the age of six, the once reticent Missy Fogarty stared belting out every note from Belafonte at Carengie Hall, and has yet to stop singing Later in life, she searched for a route to combine her passion for music making with the desire to help people, driven by her own personal struggles and the knowledge that music played a role in her healing process which lead her to music therapy. Today, she is a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) and a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT). Particularly interested in the clinical application of music in psychotherapy, Missy completed a four year post-graduate certification program in Gestalt therapy from Gestalt Associates for Psychotherapy and is a certified practitioner of Austin Vocal Psychotherapy, a music therapy model that specifically uses singing and improvisation in the psychotherapy process.
In institutional settings Missy has experience providing therapy to with preschool children with special needs, psychiatric patients in in-patient settings and patients recovering from drug addiction in both inpatient and outpatient settings in a variety of music-centered groups including drum circle, improvisation, songwriting, music listening, performance and recording production. Melissa enjoys interfacing with team members (e.g., teachers, parents, other therapists) about music therapy as it relates to a client’s treatment. She also enjoys giving music therapy presentations. For example, in 2019, Missy presented “Utilizing Songs and Songwriting in a Group Therapy Process” at the Innovative and Experiential Modalities on Trauma Care at Lehman College; has been a two-time panelist at the Eastman School of Music Performing Arts Medicine division discussing the role of music therapy and mental health (2022, 2021), and last year gave a presentation on A Career In Music Therapy at Opera America’s Alternative Careers Fair.
Missy is currently in private practice as a music psychotherapist with a variety of clients and is thrilled bout be on the BKCM music therapy team. She continues to maintain an active performing schedule singing and recording with a variety of groups. Recent highlights include an appearance at Joe’s Pub with Isle of Klezbos, collaborations with pianist Marc Peloquin on his Keyed Up! series, recordings with the new music ensemble Percussia, and a monthly stint at Tomi Jazz in midtown with her jazz quartet, The Highliners.
Education: MA, Music Therapy, New York University; BM, Applied Voice, Eastman School of Music: Post-Master’s Certification in Gestalt Therapy; Post Master’s Certification in Vocal Psychotherapy
Missy Fogarty, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Music Therapist
Nicolette (Nikki) Schoen, BA, MT-BC
Nikki Schoen is a board-certified music therapist with extensive experience supporting early childhood development and the autism community. Although she has worked with individuals of all ages and various populations, Nikki shines in her ability to foster meaningful therapeutic connections with children and their families. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from Berklee College of Music, which paved the way for a career path that combines her strengths as a seasoned performer and musician with her passion for psychology and helping others heal through music.
Since joining the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music in 2015, Nikki has collaborated with a dedicated team to provide individualized care, long-term clinical support, and family-centered resources. Her work often incorporates songwriting, creating opportunities for clients to engage in self-expression and strengthen interpersonal connections. Through her thoughtful and client-centered approach, Nikki has become an integral part of the Conservatory’s music therapy program, consistently bringing warmth, creativity, and clinical expertise to every session and community event.
Education: B.M. in Music Therapy, Berklee College of Music
Nicolette (Nikki) Schoen, BA, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Music Therapist
Rafael Stepto, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Rafael is board certified and licensed creative arts therapist who works with the neurodivergent, those experiencing dementia, and their families. In addition he supervises interns working towards a therapy career. He holds a B.A. in Psychology and a master’s degree in Music Therapy from NYU. Rafael has worked at BKCM since 2016 and is passionate about bringing therapy into the community setting. He sees clients onsite at BKCM as well as in schools and assisted living facilities. His work has appeared in the New York Times and various TV segments. His clinical approach is eclectic and predicated on a belief in the interaction between individual creativity, collaboration, and the healthy processing of experience through music, the body, words, and relationship
Education: M.A., Music Therapy, New York University; B.A., Psychology, The New School
Rafael Stepto, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Clinical Intern: Molloy University
Taina Brantley
Taina Brantley (she/her) is currently a second-year master’s student in Music Therapy at Molloy University. With roots in Puerto Rico and a deep connection to Brooklyn, Taina is excited to serve her community through music therapy at BKCM. She has had the privilege of working with individuals in psychiatric care, students with traumatic brain injury, and neurodiverse learners. In addition to her Music Therapy training, Taina is a vocalist who also plays piano and guitar, and enjoys exploring percussion. Before beginning her graduate studies, she worked as a music educator for four years. Outside of music, she loves cooking (especially HelloFresh recipes), dancing, and her favorite color is blue. Taina is grateful for the opportunity to grow with the BKCM team.
Education: M.A. in Music Therapy (In Progress), Molloy University
Taina Brantley
Clinical Intern: Molloy University
Music Therapy Director
Toby Williams, MA, LCAT, MT-BC, AVPT
Toby has led the music therapy program at The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music since 2011. After completing a bachelor’s of the arts degree in psychology from the University of California at Irvine with a music minor, Toby moved to New York City to pursue a career in jazz singing. Like many musicians attracted to music therapy, she noticed that the relationships formed in music and the positive emotional feedback from audience members were what felt most meaningful to her. Seeking the deeper healing potential of music and more connection, Toby gained a master’s degree in music therapy from New York University and went on to complete the first certificate training in Advanced Vocal Psychotherapy with Dr. Diane Austin. Throughout her career, Toby has focused on the use of the voice, breath and singing as fundamental aspects of health and expression, working with neurodiverse children and teens, with adults in in-patient psychiatry and adults in cancer treatment. In addition to her role at BKCM, Toby is an adjunct professor of music therapy at New York University, where she teaches Introduction to Music Therapy and The Use of the Voice in Music Therapy, and has a small Vocal Psychotherapy practice with adults. A deep dedication to fairness, diversity, accessibility and community informs Toby’s work and leadership of the BKCM Music Therapy Program
Education: MA, Music Therapy, New York University; Post-Master’s Certification in Vocal Psychotherapy; BA, Psychology with a Minor in Music, University of California at Irvine
email: toby.williams@bkcm.org
Toby Williams, MA, LCAT, MT-BC, AVPT
Music Therapy Director
Music Therapist
Victoria Druziako, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Victoria is a board-certified music therapist and licensed creative arts therapist who enjoys incorporating play, songwriting and music performance into her work with children with neurodivergence, social and behavioral challenges. Victoria holds a B.S. in Applied Psychology from New York University and a Master’s in Music Therapy from New York University, as well, where she first began to develop her creative and playful approach to group music therapy. Victoria offers a variety of musical tools to co-create spontaneous moments of joyful connection in her group music therapy work. Victoria utilizes humanistic and resource-oriented approaches to music therapy, taking musical inspiration from her formative exposure to the Nordoff-Robbins approach while at NYU. Prior to arriving at BKCM, Victoria worked with male juvenile offender youth in the Bronx, focusing on songwriting and music recording/production as a path towards growth in music therapy sessions. Victoria also has experience working with teens and adults struggling with acute mental health challenges. Overall, Victoria aspires to create a fun and empowering environment, inviting each client to tap into their inner diva or rock star and let their uniquely beautiful lights shine.
Education: M.A. in Music Therapy, New York University; B.S. in Applied Psychology and Minor in Anthropology, New York University
email: victoria.druziako@bkcm.org
Victoria Druziako, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Music Therapy Internship and Fieldwork / Practicum Opportunities at BKCM!
BKCM has been a training ground for students enrolled in AMTA-approved, university programs in music therapy at both the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. We only accept students enrolled as music therapy majors, whether at the undergraduate or master’s degree level. We have partnered with NYU, Berklee College of Music, Montclair University, Molloy College, SUNY New Paltz, Slippery Rock University and Howard University.
Our internship application process for the 2025-2026 school year has closed.
Applications for internship/fieldwork applications closed on March 21st, 2025. To prepare for next year, click here to download the application.
Please email our Community Coordinator, hannah.hershman@bkcm.org with any questions or for more information.
For more than 125 years, the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music has served our community by cultivating musical opportunities. We reach more than 7,000 students and clients through our community outreach programs, which provide music education and music therapy programs at nearly 90 partner sites across all five boroughs, including public schools, homeless shelters, senior centers, and other community and faith-based organizations, empowering students with tools and experiences unique to BKCM.
NY TIMES ARTICLE ABOUT BKCM MUSIC THERAPY
A recent Sunday Times article provides an in-depth look at our music therapists’ impactful work with children at a shelter in Brooklyn, one of over 40 community-based music therapy sites across New York City.
