The demand for education in Mariachi music is on the rise, prompting a Denver institution to offer a Bachelor of Arts degree in this vibrant musical tradition. While students delve deep into the music and culture, they also acquire essential business skills to pursue successful careers.
Mariachi Education Expands in the U.S.
Mariachi music is gaining traction across the United States, with at least ten colleges and universities introducing degree programs in this traditional Mexican folk genre over the past decade. The most recent addition to this trend is Denver’s Metro State University. Juanita Hurtado Huerfano of Colorado Public Radio provides insight into this development.
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Inside Metro State’s Mariachi Ensemble
Within the classrooms of Metro State, the mariachi ensemble known as Los Correcaminos rehearses the classic “Mexico Lindo.” Ruby Flores, a guitarron player, joined the ensemble two years ago after being drawn to a mariachi class during her search for a sense of belonging.
Ruby Flores reflected, “I grew up a no sabo kid,” indicating her upbringing in a Spanish-speaking family without mastering the language, a common experience for many first-generation children. Her Mexican immigrant parents prioritized her integration into U.S. culture. “Being in the United States, my mom really wanted me to be, you know, a United States citizen and, you know, kind of conform to their norms. So the mariachi class was where I tried to reconnect it, and then I instantly fell in love,” Flores shared.
Fostering Future Mariachi Educators
Professor Phil Ficsor identified an opportunity in students like Flores to expand the program. With the growing popularity of mariachi classes and ensembles in Colorado’s K-12 schools, there is a need for qualified teachers. Ficsor’s students show great enthusiasm for entering the industry.
Recounting a recruitment effort, Ficsor said, “I took a poll – kind of just a straw poll of my students, and every single hand went up.” He further added, “When I said, hey, we’re doing – we’re starting a mariachi degree, his first thing was, like, I’m there.”
Comprehensive Degree Program
Metro State’s Bachelor of Arts in Mariachi Performance and Culture, launched this year, offers students an opportunity to explore the music’s rich history and cultural significance while equipping them with the business acumen needed to run their own mariachi ventures. Faculty members believe that the degree not only enhances professional credibility but also allows graduates to command higher fees for performances. Additionally, students have the option to earn a teaching certificate.
Professor Ficsor emphasizes the importance of the business aspect of the degree. “I want one of our students to graduate and have the ability to say, I want to create my own mariachi ensemble. How do I do that? Where – how do I fill out the paperwork? How do I invoice? How do I do all the things that help a business run?” he explained.
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While Professor Ficsor prides himself on the practical business skills taught in the program, he believes that understanding mariachi’s historical and cultural impact is crucial for producing exceptional musicians. He notes, “You know, Beethoven once said that music is poetry without words. And in a way, mariachi music is the poetry of the Chicano culture.”
As of this fall, the degree is open to all new students. For NPR News, this is Juanita Hurtado Huerfano reporting from Denver.
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LOS CORRECAMINOS: (Singing in Spanish).
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