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