The Montclair Music Studio is proud to introduce piano & woodwind teacher Justin Romano.

Mr. Romano, who has recently joined our staff, has been a music instructor for over 4 years. He is a graduate of Montclair State University and teaches music in the Glen Ridge School System.

Getting to Know Justin…

What brought on your interest in music?

What started my interest in music was honestly my parents! I grew up in a
household that was always playing music from rock and roll, hip-hop, R&B, jazz,
and everything in between. My parents were self-taught musicians; my father
played hand percussion and my mother sang and even learned a little organ. They
didn’t continue it too much since I was little but the love for music and conveying
messages through performing has always stuck with me. This has carried on to
why I continue to play and teach music to this day!

When did you start your studies?

It all started when I played recorder in the 3rd grade. I really enjoyed learning an
instrument and making sounds on it, then once I got the option to choose an
instrument the following year, I started on the clarinet. Once I hit middle school
though is when I took playing seriously, switched to bass clarinet, and then
continued my journey auditioning and participating in many different regional
honor ensembles throughout middle and high school. Including my senior year
participating in All-State Symphonic Band!

Was your family involved in music?

A lot of my family are self-taught musicians if they play, most being percussionists
and drummers. And when they hear music they play it pretty instantly! I was the
first in my family tree to learn how to classically read musical notes and rhythms.

Have You Participated in Any Extra Curricular Organizations or music clubs?

Absolutely, all throughout my primary school era I did everything I could within
music! Marching band, indoor percussion, jazz band, woodwind ensemble, clarinet
ensemble, handbell choir, pit orchestra, and chorus in my final year of high school.
Then once I hit college I performed in various wind symphonies, clarinet choir, pit
orchestras both collegiate and high schools, and the Albanian Ensemble they have
at Montclair State University. In my final year at MSU, I got the unique
opportunity outside of college to play with the New York Youth Symphony
Orchestra at Carnegie Hall on multiple occasions!

What are other types of instruments in your repertoire?

Outside of my main repertoire with clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, flute, and
piano because I teach instrumental music I have learned how to play every other
instrument to a good degree. Including voice, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba,
violin, and many percussion instruments.

Have you played at other venues?

Yes! In my time as a musician, I have played locally throughout different venues in
New Jersey and New York City including NJPAC, Grand Prospect Hall, and even
Carnegie Hall. I have also played overseas as well in Italy, France, Austria,
Germany, and Switzerland in various places being a part of an auditioned
symphonic band with the American Music Abroad program!

Any favorite hobbies other than music?

Outside of music I have loved video games since I was little and still very big into
Pokemon. I also love going outdoors for hikes in nature and traveling to new
places to experience new sights and foods. Plus I am a huge cook, I’ve grown up
around food my entire life, and cooking was a centerpiece in my household so I am
honored to continue that tradition!

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