Towards a hybrid approach to mariachi education - Bridging the gap between formal and informal transmission of musical culture

• Main Author: Garibay, Oscar
• Language: EN
• Published: California State University, Long Beach 2017
• Subjects: Music|Pedagogy|Music education
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10264114

<p> Mariachi programs have gained interest and acceptance among music educators in most regions of the United States. Successful mariachi programs are energizing students and creating positive relationships between the schools and their communities. Mariachi programs are growing as more students identify and connect with this Mexican folkloric music. An example of a flourishing mariachi program can be found in the Las Vegas Clark County School District, which has seen its program grow from 250 students to over 3,000 since 2002. Considering that the Hispanic population is expected to reach about 106 million in 2050, about double what it is today, the potential for mariachi instruction in public schools will likely follow these growing population trends. However, due to the highly stylized idiomatic music that is mariachi, music educators not familiar with its innate teachings might hinder the art form at a pedagogical level. This research paper explores three current approaches to mariachi pedagogy in U.S. public education: informal, formal, and a hybrid approach between the two aesthetics. The hybrid approach will be the basis of rehearsal practice in preparing for &ldquo;Se&ntilde;or Trompetas&rdquo; in my graduate recital to test its efficacy to teaching authentic mariachi music.</p>