Margarita Romko
Vocal Coach, Composer
Margarita Romko is an expert in jazz vocal, works with music bands and on an
individual basis, composer, arranger. She was born in Nikolaev, Ukraine, in the
family of musicians/teachers: mom was working at the Music School and specialized
in solfeggio and musical theory, as well as headed the choir for senior grades. Dad
worked at the Music Academy, taught bassoon and oboe. Our house was always
filled with sounds of music. Starting at 3 years old, I attended classical music
concerts with my mom and she often took me to her work at the Music School. I
loved to hear the choir sing and tried to perform with them. Our town was
frequented by the numerous touring artists and opera performances, academic and
folk choirs, dance and song groups, operetta companies, etc. I had a great time
learning the new genres and at home tried to play by the ear. According to my
mom, I had the perfect pitch, sense of rhythm and music memory.
Upon graduating the Music School with Honors after 7 years in piano, I attended
Nikolaev’s State Music Academy for 5 years and simultaneously studied at the Piano
and Conductor/Choir departments. I proceeded to earn a degree at the Nejdanova’s
Odessa State Conservatory in Conductor/Choir Faculty and returned to my
hometown of Nikolaev to the Music School and worked there for 11 years. My
primary subjects were piano, solfeggio, musical theory, and the choir for senior
grades (120-140 students).
My family moved to Ashkelon in Israel, where I created and organized the vocal jazz
group “Octava +” for adult performers, and in 3 years a children band was formed.
I started to write, record, and arrange my own music. The repertoire consisted of
well-known songs, as well as the new ones in different languages. We participated
in various events throughout the country of Israel and performed at Festivals and
Competitions. Israel’s TV Channel 9 featured our performances during the “7.40”
program.
In 2011 my family moved to Toronto, Canada, where I continued writing music and
songs, while working at the Pochemuchka Educational Centre. Once again, my
“Octava +” group was reborn, in another country under a different sky. In 2014, I
received an exciting collaboration offer from Janna Stepanova, Star School Academy
Director, and we work together ever since! The work is overwhelmingly interesting,
the students are fantastic, the educators are exceptional – everyone is creative and
inspired!
Over these years I wrote the songs and the music for 4 musical productions “The
real Pinoccio”, “Alice in Wonderland”, “Chippollino”, “Chukkokala”, as well as 4
songs to the famous Russian musical “Mama” and many other songs.
Star School Academy’s musicals became the center of attention at multiple tours
and festivals. We travelled to Chicago, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, Ottawa;
visited Washington twice; performed at the Brighton Beach Theatre, received the
Grand Prix and numerous 1st Places! Each musical is an instant success, and they
are loved by several generations of our Toronto audiences.
A female jazz quartet “Chanel N5” was created under my guidance, and it is among
my greatest achievements – a unique success story of a band performing in retro
jazz style!
