[2] Encouraged by the community, and with contributions from local businessmen, Craft studied opera in Boston, Massachusetts under maestro Charles R. Adams.

[3][4] While in Italy Craft's tutor changed her name to Marcella, and she started receiving leading operatic roles.

[6] Although her career primarily kept her in Europe, Craft regularly returned to Riverside where she frequently sang at the annual Easter Sunrise Service on Mount Rubidoux.

[7] Craft forged a strong personal and professional friendship with the American composer Amy Beach.

Craft hosted events for American and European musicians, which included performances of Beach's songs, accompanied on piano by the composer.