Rising Stars: Meet Carlotta Romano of New York City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlotta Romano

Hi Carlotta, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Carlotta Romano, an Italian composer for MultiMedia currently based in the heart of New York. It all began with the violin at the age of five. In those early years, the gritty sounds emanating from my violin didn’t bother me. I practically grew up with the instrument, refining my skills at the Conservatoire of Rome, where I entered at the age of nine and where I also learned to play the piano as my secondary instrument.

Growing up, for me, equated to evolving as a musician. High school marked a major shift as I moved from Italy to the United Arab Emirates. New language, new faces, and the inevitable thought – new instrument? Indeed. I found myself spending countless hours during breaks and after school singing with friends, alone, in bands, and school productions. It became my safe haven amidst the many unknown factors around me.

My love and passion for music served as a stable anchor through all these changes. As I delved into singing, I discovered a love for creating my own piano compositions. They were melodic, emotional tunes… “out of a movie,” as my mom once told me. That phrase stuck with me, and with just one mention, I straightened up on the piano chair, thinking, “Yes – I will do that when I grow up; it is going to be my job.”

Little did I know that being a composer for films was a real thing! And here I am.

Post high school, my journey led me to the UK to pursue a Bachelor degree in Music, specializing in Voice and Composition. I recently completed my Master’s in Screen Scoring at NYU.

I am now lucky enough to be working for Emmy nominated film composer, Gil Talmi, in the scenic Brooklyn Navy Yard!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think any artist has a smooth road! It is also about the challenges!

As I briefly mentioned, a significant part of my journey involved moving countries during my formative years. I was born and raised in Rome, Italy, in a typical Italian household. At the age of thirteen, my dad’s job brought my three siblings and I to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The transition was exciting. I have always been a curious kid, and I was excited to see what the other side of the world looked like. But I was also aware it was going to be a big change. I did not know English at a high school level, or at a middle school level for that matter, making communication a real challenge. Despite all these obstacles, I found my comfort in music. Singing and writing music were my refuge, making me feel safe and understood. Now, English is no longer a challenge for me, but looking back, I can say that music was there for me when I needed it the most.

A more recent challenge for me was my transition to New York. After graduating with my Bachelor in the UK in 2021, I decided to work in one of the leading British International Schools in the Middle East. I was hired as a Musician in Residence where I got to co-teach music lessons and give private singing lessons. The experience was enriching but I felt like it wasn’t my long-term path. I had a stable life, with a stable job. And yet, I decided to pursue my true calling: becoming a film composer. So, I enrolled in a Master’s degree in Screen Scoring at NYU. Looking back, I would choose New York in a heartbeat, but at the time, the thought of leaving the life I had built, including family and friends, was not easy.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have had the opportunity to share what I do a few times, but in case it slipped through, I’m a music composer specializing in multimedia. Essentially, I create music for various media such as films, documentaries, TV, and advertisements. Recently wrapped up my Master’s program in Screen Scoring at NYU, I’ve already contributed to several student short films, documentaries, and animations. Looking ahead, I’m eager to cultivate connections with filmmakers and industry professionals, finding joy in the entire creative journey—from initial discussions to composing the music.

My international relocations have not only enriched me personally but have also influenced my music significantly. Merging my European heritage with modern production and a touch of Middle Eastern influence, I believe, adds a unique flavor to my compositions. I have a particular fondness for strings and their versatility in creating diverse soundscapes. Whether paired with vocals, piano, or synths, they can evoke anything from an ambient atmosphere to a more melodic motif. A recent viewing of the movie “Swan Song” perfectly encapsulates my passion for these instruments.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
Over the past few years, through the NYU Screen Scoring program, I have had the privilege of meeting incredibly talented artists who have become mentors on my artistic journey. I am deeply grateful for their guidance and the knowledge they have shared, which has helped me grow into a more seasoned composer.

I have also formed meaningful connections with friends and collaborators who have inspired me along the way. Collaboration often becomes a learning experience, where we teach and grow alongside each other. These individuals have played a significant role in shaping both my work and my perspective, and I wouldn’t be the composer—or person—I am today without their invaluable input and support.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.carlottaromano.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlottaromano_/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlotta-romano-6879711b5/