A Lifetime of Music
In Memory of...

Sheryl  Toney

1955-2024
Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near. – Philippians 4:5

About Sheryl

At age 7, Sheryl began her study of piano with Margaret Power, Pat Robinson, and former concert pianist Edith Knox (grand-student of Rachmaninoff). She began teaching private lessons in 1970 and graduated South High School in Torrance, CA, in 1973. Winner of a concerto competition, Sheryl gave a moving performance of Saint-Saens’ Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Peninsula Symphony from Palos Verdes in Redondo Beach, CA, in 1977. She won “Artist of the Future” and graduated UCLA that year with a Bachelor of Arts in Theory & Composition.

An accomplished classical pianist, Sheryl accompanied performing artist Whitney Crist's recital of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3, Opus 30, in 1997. Over the years, her accomplishments included composing, arranging, playing organ or keyboard at church, and leading worship.

Sheryl was a member of Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC) 1978-2024, most recently serving as recording secretary for the Conejo Valley branch. For more information about the MTAC branch, please visit: www.mtacconejovalley.org. A caring and encouraging teacher, Sheryl had many piano students throughout her life and adored every single one.

Sheryl heroically taught each of her kids piano but her Grandkids had the musical genes. She spent hours with William and Lucas discussing music theory and improving together. Their love of music brought them closer after each visit. Sheryl’s musical talent will be passed on through generations through her Grandkids and the Memorial Fund.

The Sheryl Toney Memorial Fund

In honor of Sheryl’s dedication to her students, her twin sister, Lillian Reichert, has founded The Sheryl Toney Memorial Fund to widen opportunities to further music education for all piano students of MTAC, Conejo Valley. This is accomplished by financially enabling them to apply to music festivals and competitions hosted by the branch.

To donate to the fund:
  • Please make check payable to “MTAC Conejo Valley” (MEMO: The Sheryl Toney Memorial Fund), and mail to: Brad Gregory, MTAC, Conejo Valley Treasurer, 112 Castilian Ave, Newbury Park, CA 91320.
  • Sheryl's Music

    Compositions, Arrangements, and Performances

    Sheryl’s 1977 performance of Saint-Saens’ Piano Concerto No.2 in G minor

    1977 performance: Piano Concerto No. 2, first movement, by Saint-Saens, with the Peninsula Symphony from Palos Verdes in Redondo Beach, CA.

    Album

    Sonnets of My Heart

    1996 compositions

    Album

    Sonnets of Winter

    1997 arrangements/compositions

    Thank you...

    “Special thanks to my parents, Cleon & Jo Winslow, for their wisdom and generosity of heart." ~ Sheryl, Sonnets of my Heart.

    Going Home

    A Piano Improvisation for all who knew Sheryl Hoffman-Toney, by MTAC member, Mark Lybarger-Monson

    Sheryl's Memorial Service

    Friends and family remember Sheryl at her Memorial Service.
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