New Faculty Member Q&A: Marissa Guarriello

Assistant Professor in Music and Human Learning and String Project head Marissa Guarriello’s research focuses on the intersection of music industry education in K-12 music programs and the inclusion of creative activities in secondary ensemble classrooms. Most recently, she was the Visiting Assistant Professor of String Music Education and the director of the string project at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she oversaw a successful program that similarly aimed to expand music education in the community. She was named one of Yamaha’s “40 Under 40” Music Educators for the United States in 2025. Guarriello holds a Ph.D. in Music Education from Indiana University, an M.A. in Music from the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester and a Bachelor of Music Education from Penn State University.  

Tell us about the classes you’ll be teaching this year.

This year, I’ll be teaching pedagogy with Dr. Bob Duke in the fall and most likely String Techniques in the spring (with some other courses that I'm not aware of quite yet). I’m also incredibly excited to work with the UT String Project, a program with a rich legacy of leadership in string education as the oldest string project in the country. It’s a true honor to carry that torch forward and help shape the next generation of string students through such a meaningful and respected initiative.

What attracted you to the Butler School of Music and The University of Texas at Austin?

I was drawn to the Butler School of Music because of its reputation for excellence and innovation, as well as the collaborative, forward-thinking environment that exists in the Department of Music and Human Learning. Butler's commitment to community engagement aligns deeply with my own values as an educator and researcher. I saw this as a place where I could both contribute meaningfully and continue to grow.

How did your professional pathway lead to your current research focus?

My background spans music education, performance, and industry work—including roles as a public-school music teacher, talent buyer and promoter. These experiences revealed how disconnected traditional music education can be from the realities of today’s music professions and evolving ways of making music, especially outside the classroom. That disconnect inspired my research on expanding curricula to include non-performance-based music careers, equitable access to arts education and building inclusive learning spaces that reflect the full scope of the music ecosystem.

What’s something that students and colleagues should know about you?

I’m committed to helping students carve out paths that are authentic to their passions—even if those paths fall outside of conventional norms. I’m always open to conversation, collaboration and rethinking what music education can look like. Humor, empathy and "realness" are central in how I like to interact with my colleagues and students. On a lighter note, I’m an over-devoted dog parent to my bernedoodle, Winnie (and I probably talk about her too much). I also love to bake, so there will often be homemade treats in my office—feel free to stop by for a mid-day pick-me-up and say hi!

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not teaching/researching/working?

Outside of work, I love being with my friends and family (I have a new niece who lives in Texas who I can't wait to spend more time with!) and spending time in nature. I like to be on trails with my dog, explore local parks, and find the best cup of coffee in town.  I’m also a big fan of being on water in any capacity and look forward to kayaking and sailing on various lakes in the Austin area.