Toni-Marie Montgomery

Toni-Marie Montgomery is a Professor of Piano and former Dean of the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in piano chamber music and accompanying from the University of Michigan, a Master of Music from the same institution, and a Bachelor’s degree from the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts (magna cum laude). Her career has focused on performing works by Black composers, cultural advocacy, and administrative leadership in music education.

• Education: DMA (University of Michigan), MM (University of Michigan), BA (Philadelphia College of Performing Arts)

Montgomery co-founded the Black Music Repertory Ensemble at Columbia College Chicago, dedicated to promoting Black musical heritage. Her performance career spans the U.S. and internationally (Austria, Brazil, Poland, etc.). As Dean of the Bienen School (2003–2023), she implemented initiatives that elevated the school’s national standing. She previously held leadership roles at the University of Kansas, Arizona State University, and Western Michigan University.

She currently serves on the boards of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, Ravinia Festival, and as secretary of the Gateways Music Festival Board. Her professional contributions emphasize diversity in classical music and institutional leadership.