[5] Northey began performing on stage at age three, and as a teenager toured in Canada as orchestra conductor for a French opera company.

[5] During World War I, she gave benefit concerts in New Jersey, and sang with the United States Marine Band.

[7] Northey wrote songs and poetry as a child and developed her composition skills during her years as a performer.

[8][9] She received a best song award from the American National Composers' and Authors' Association in 1924.

Selected works include: In collaboration with composer Ernest R. Ball, she also wrote the lyrics for: