Maria du Toit studied at the University of Stellenbosch where she obtained a bachelors degree in music cum laude and passed a UNISA performer's licentiate with highest honours. She studied locally with Jim Reinders and internationally with David Krakauer (Manhattan School of Music), Bas de Jong (Utrecht Conservatoire) and Petko Radev (Sofia, Bulgaria). Apart from numerous study awards and stipendia, she has won first prize in the following competitions: ATKV forte, UNISA overseas scholarship competition, Mabel Quick overseas competition, Huguenot competition and Jeunesses Musicales international clarinet competition in Bucharest, Romania. Maria has performed as soloist with a number of South African orchestras, and can regularly be seen as soloist and chamber musician at several arts festivals.  Since 2002 she has held the position of principal clarinet in the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra.  She is also part time lecturer of clarinet at the University of Stellenbosch.