Position: Adjunct Assistant Professor, Music Theory
Location: Ruebush Hall, Room 246
Email: cromano@su.edu
Employed Since: 2003
Conservatory Professional Highlights:
Professor Romano’s performance-based approach to Ear Training is profiled in the new groundbreaking theory pedagogy text, Teaching Music Theory – New Voices and Approaches (Oxford), by Jennifer Snodgrass. Romano’s case study, “Accommodating Dyslexia in the Ear Training Classroom”, was published in The Routledge Companion to Music Theory Pedagogy in 2019. In Spring 2020, Professor Romano was recognized as a “SUperwoman of SU”, by SU’s (Not Just) Women’s Center. Most recently, Professor Romano served as the Adjunct Representative to the Conservatory’s Emergency Planning for Online Operations Committee.
Educational History:
B.M. Shenandoah Conservatory; M.M., San Francisco State University
Fields of Expertise:
Assistant Professor of Flute and Music Theory
Professional Highlights:
Adjunct Assistant Professor Charlene Romano has taught applied flute, written theory, ear training, and 20th Century Listening, and coached small ensembles and directed the flute choir.
Professor Romano’s performance-based approach to Ear Training is profiled in the new groundbreaking theory pedagogy text, Teaching Music Theory – New Voices and Approaches (Oxford), by Jennifer Snodgrass. Romano’s case study, “Accommodating Dyslexia in the Ear Training Classroom”, was published in The Routledge Companion to Music Theory Pedagogy in 2019. Most recently, Professor Romano served as the Adjunct Representative to the Conservatory’s Emergency Planning for Online Operations Committee. Professor Romano has also published several pedagogical articles in Flute Talk, The Flute View, and The Double Reed, including an “Ask the Pro” column in Flute Talk advising students on how to prepare for and succeed in college music theory. She is a sought-after clinician and adjudicator, and recently served as an adjudicator for the Parasky Studios Virtual Flute Solo competition, a regional competition with categories from elementary school through graduate studies.
In addition to collaborating with other conservatory faculty, she performs throughout the Shenandoah Valley, as a chamber musician, soloist, and orchestral performer. She is also a professional service musician at Bethel Lutheran Church in Winchester.
Professor Romano recently served as the Adjunct Representative to the Conservatory’s Emergency Preparation for Online Operations Committee. She has served as the Coordinator of the Mid-Atlantic High School Flute Choir, and recently accepted the nomination to serve as Secretary of the National Flute Association. Previously, she served on the faculties of Solano College and Sacramento State University – Community Music Division, and held positions with the California Wind Orchestra, the Camellia Symphony Orchestra, the Solano Symphony, and the North Bay Opera. She also performed with the Sacramento Ballet Orchestra and the San Francisco Concerto Orchestra, among others. She has recorded on the Cantilena label.
Professor Romano also maintains a vibrant home studio in Winchester, Virginia, for students who are selected by interview. She teaches all levels, from beginners to young professionals, adult amateurs, and competitive students and those seeking admission to top music schools.
https://charleneromano.mymusicstaff.com
https://www.nfaonline.org/about/leadership-staff/election
Personal Quote:Any student who has taken one of my classes will tell you that our mantra is, “There is no such thing as a musical emergency.”
My goal as an educator is to integrate my experience as an active performer into the classroom, and to create an equitable and supportive and encouraging classroom and online environment. This type of environment empowers students to own their successes. I believe in meeting students where they are. I believe in allowing students non-graded and low-stakes opportunities to try, fail, and learn from those failures, using failure as leverage for further learning and achievement. In this way, students develop confidence and ownership in their own professionalism and musicianship. I am committed to supporting all students and maintaining an environment of equity in my classroom.
Personal Highlights:
In addition to my work at Shenandoah, I enjoy inspiring young musicians in my home studio, where I teach private lessons, coach ensembles, and give lessons in music theory. These students inspire me daily with their love for music and for learning, and keep my constantly on my toes – looking for new ways to engage, interact, and motivate. I live in downtown Winchester, and enjoy the work of a “slow restoration” on our Victorian vernacular home, with my husband, two children, and three cats. The cats are no help at all. I enjoy engaging with our local community, and currently serve on the John Handley High School PTSO Executive Board.
Recommended Link(s):
https://charleneromano.mymusicstaff.com/About-Our-Studio