Dr. Marissa Guarriello

Biography

Marissa Guarriello, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Music and Human Learning at the University of Texas at Austin, where she directs the University of Texas String Project. Previously, she was a Visiting Assistant Professor of String Music Education at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, where she taught courses in string music education and directed the Sinfonia Orchestra. Passionate about preparing young string teachers for successful classrooms, Marissa emphasizes creating welcoming environments that respond to students' interests and backgrounds. In 2024, she served as the director of programming for music at ArtsQuest in Bethlehem, PA, where she collaborated with artists across diverse genres. Her research focuses on the intersection of music education and the music industry, particularly in K-12 music education programs that include creative activities in secondary ensemble classrooms. Marissa has published works including a children's book titled 'Onward Upward' and co-authored 'Hustle Start' and 'Creative String Orchestra.' Her contributions also include various articles in peer-reviewed journals. As a recognized educator, she was named to Yamaha’s “40 Under 40” Music Educators list in 2025.

Research Interests

Courses