Nick Marsella is a Juilliard alum and a composer, based in New York City.

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(00:00) Unorthodox plan to move to New York

(03:21) Cold texts, a stranger says “call John”

(06:04) John offers help—move “right now”

(08:58) Staten Island basement room: rough, cash, roommates

(12:07) Long commute: bus, ferry, train to Times Square

(15:14) Mice, sleeping on the floor, retail hustle

(18:02) Juilliard bookstore dream and immersion in repertoire

(20:41) Two goals revealed: Juilliard and homeless orchestra

(22:33) Early music roots: church, dad as worship leader

(25:47) Discovering orchestral music and “alien language” fascination

(29:18) Switching to composition, building curriculum from scratch

(32:36) Conviction, clarity, and going all-in on a calling

(36:08) Doubts up close, perseverance from decision to decision

(38:52) Friends doubting him; rooftop celebration and first drink

(41:35) First Juilliard rejection and the two-application rule

(44:17) Four years in the bookstore: night classes and mentors

(48:09) The acceptance letter—East Village tears and relief

(51:26) Pandemic shutdown and persistent imposter syndrome

(54:44) Goal two evolves: grant, videos, and “Us Us” piece

(59:37) Corporate detour, layoffs, and recommitting to the mission

(63:08) Carnegie Hall vision and first violin for Michaela

(66:34) Fundraiser “The First One,” Bowery Mission partnership

(69:41) Defining success: serving others, dignity through music