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Since 2010, I have worked as the Executive Director of Community Music Schools of Toronto (expanded from Regent Park School of Music). In 2020, I completed a PhD in music education at the University of Toronto under the supervision of Dr. Lee Bartel. My main research focus is on musical playground as a vehicle for community development, building off of concepts from my teachers manual How to Play Your World (Musagetes, 2017).
From 2002 to 2007, I directed the Parade of Noises in the Peel Region, leading over 700 young students in a unique musical experience using homemade instruments. This program used recycled materials to make musical instruments, and was a celebration of odd sounds. Between 1999 and 2008, I also founded and programmed the Brampton Indie Arts Festival, a multidisciplinary festival held at the Rose Theatre in downtown Brampton. This event has attracted such notable artists as The Nihilist Spasm Band, Marc Ribot, Ron Sexsmith, The Rheostatics, Hayden, Scott Thompson from The Kids in the Hall, Hayden, and many more.
My work at the community level is where it all begins for me. I am committed to injecting new ideas and helping Community Music Schools of Toronto soar to even greater heights.
- 2019 Canada Council for the Arts, Creation Grant ($25,000)
- 2014 Canada Council for the Arts, International Touring Grant ($10,000)
- 2012 Canada Council for the Arts, International Touring Grant ($8,000)
- 2010 Ontario Arts Council, Popular Music Recording Grant ($20,000])
- 2009 Canada Council for the Arts, International Touring Grant ($10,000)
Marsella, R. (2021). The Musical Playground as a Vehicle for Community Development (PhD dissertation, University of Toronto)
Marsella, R. (2020). Dreaming Big with the Regent Park School of Music in Willingham, L. Community Music at the Boundaries (229-239). Wilfrid Laurier University Press.
Marsella, R. (2017). How to Play Your World. Publication Studio.
Marsella, R., & Ulicny, C. (2014). “Successes at Regent Park School of Music: Music to our ears”. Canadian Music Educator, 55(3), 43-46.
Marsella, R. (2012). ‘A community in mind: The story of the Regent Park School of Music”. Canadian Music Educator. 54(2), 37-40.
Marsella, R. (2012). “Reflections on a parade”. Canadian Music Educator. 53(4), 25-28.
Marsella, R. (2012). “Reflections on a parade”. Canadian Music Educator. 53(4), 25-28.
Marsella, R. (2004). On behalf of the ugly in music. In L. Bartel (Ed.), Questioning the music education paradigm (136-145). Canadian Music Educators' Association.