Concetta M. Tomaino

Dr. Concetta M. Tomaino is a leader in the field of music therapy, recognized for research at the intersection of music and neuroscience. Tomaino earned a Bachelor of Arts in music performance, with a minor in psychology and sciences, from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, followed by a master's and Doctor of Arts in music therapy from New York University. She is the executive director and co-founder, with neurologist and author Oliver Sacks, of the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function. The institute conducts research on the relationship between music and the brain, provides music therapy for individuals with physical and neurological disorders, and offers education and training for professionals in the field.

When Tomaino joined Beth Abraham as its only music therapist, she observed patients in the dementia unit responding positively to music. This led her to explore the neurological basis of music therapy, demonstrating its potential benefits for patients with brain trauma, stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other forms of dementia. At Beth Abraham, Tomaino collaborated with Sacks, author of the book "Awakenings," to further advocate for the clinical applications of music therapy.

Tomaino's work is referenced in Sacks' book "Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain" and has been featured in books such as "An Anthropologist on Mars," "A Matter of Dignity" by Andrew Potok, "The Mozart Effect" by Don Campbell, and "Sounds of Healing" by Mitchell Gaynor, M.D. Tomaino is the author of "Music Has Power® in Senior Wellness and Healthcare: Best Practices from Music Therapy." Her work has been highlighted on national television programs including "48 Hours" and "60 Minutes," as well as on the BBC.

Known internationally for research in clinical music therapy and neurologic rehabilitation, Tomaino has lectured throughout the United States and in Argentina, Australia, South Africa, Italy, England, and Canada. In addition to her role at the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function, she serves on the faculty of Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Lehman College, CUNY, and has been appointed Distinguished Professor of Creative Arts at Concordia College.

Tomaino is past president of the American Association for Music Therapy and vice president and founding board member of the International Association for Music and Medicine. She has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association for Music Therapy, the Burton Grebin Innovator of the Year Award from the NY Continuing Care Leadership Coalition, the Award of Accomplishment from Music Therapists for Peace at the United Nations, and the Touchstone Award from Women in Music. The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Information Programs has recognized Tomaino as an innovator in the field.