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

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