University of Rochester

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Marissa Arciola photo Marissa Arciola photo

Marissa Arciola
Organization: Syrian Music Preservation Initiative
Title: President, Syrian Music Preservation Initiative
Program Graduation: BM, ALP Certificate 2003
Musical Studies: Bass, Music Leadership
Musical Specialties: Commercial Music, Freelance
Non-Musical Specialties: Finance, Leadership, Operations
Quote: “ALP allowed me to get a better understanding of and real experience working on the business side arts. This aided my decision to pursue arts administration.”

Bio:

Marissa is a bassist, strategist and leader with a unique combination of artistic and business experience helping her build on founder Samer Ali’s vision of the Syrian Music Preservation Initiative. Marissa completed her undergraduate degree in double bass performance at the Eastman School of Music under the tutelage of renowned soloist, James VanDemark and Curtis Buris. Marissa continued with music while completing her MBA and MA in Arts Administration at SMU. After her studies, Marissa has worked with a number of nonprofit organizations while playing with groups ranging from classical, rock, and Middle Eastern music. As President of the SMPI board, and member of Takht al-Nagham, Marissa helps to move the organization forward both programmatically and financially, by putting a focus on the digital initiatives, prioritizing projects and growing donation and fundraising prospects.