Natalie Groom

Dr. Natalie Groom serves as Adjunct Professor of Clarinet in Towson University's College of Fine Arts and Communication, Department of Music, with additional appointments at UMBC. Renowned for her "rich, fluid, and colorful tone and skilled technical ability" (International Clarinet Association Journal), she maintains an active career as performer, educator, composer, and arts manager across Maryland.

Her educational background includes:

• D.M.A., University of Maryland, College Park
• M.B.A. and M.M., University of Arizona
• B.M., Kent State University

Research centers on advancing women in music through Whistling Hens®—the ensemble she co-founded in 2018 to commission works by female composers. Her interdisciplinary work spans performance innovation (including co-inventing the Reed Mapper® reed micrometer), technology-integrated pedagogy, and socially engaged composition. Recent projects focus on equitable music ecosystems and open educational resources.

Key recognitions include:

• Chamber Music America’s Classical Commissioning Grant (2022)
• Iranian Female Composers Association Award (2023)
• International Alliance for Women in Music Programming Award (2023)
• Three Towson University teaching innovation grants (2024)

As principal investigator for teaching grants and co-director of Whistling Hens®, she mentors emerging artists through album productions (e.g., Reacting to the Landscape), Kennedy Center residencies, and national advocacy initiatives. Her ensemble work with soprano Jennifer Piazza-Pick has secured over $50,000 in commissioning funding.

She leads Whistling Hens® as artistic director and serves as Recording Academy voting member. Previously, she engineered virtual concert series for Collington Retirement Community during the pandemic, producing 45 events for isolated seniors.