What we teach
Five instruments, one voice and the ensemble
Choose the sound you want to make. Your teacher fits the lessons to your age and to where you are now, and every student plays with others early.
Violin
The long melodies of the mariachi, played in sections of two and three. Beginners start with a tune they already hum.
With Gregoria and Crescencia
Trumpet
Breathing, the mouthpiece and a clear sound first, then the two-trumpet lines that lead a song.
With Aldahir
Guitarrón
The big bass of the mariachi. You learn to hold the beat so everyone else can follow it.
With Librado
Vihuela
The small, bright rhythm guitar. Chords, strumming patterns and the pulse that drives a son.
With Aureliano
Voice
Ranchera singing: breathing, tuning and telling a story with your voice, alone or with others.
With Luzmila
Ensemble
Where it all comes together: a full group rehearsing for the next performance, by level.
With Aureliano
The path
Three levels, from a first son to the stage
Everyone plays in a group with a teacher. You move up when your group is ready, not on a calendar, and every student goes at their own pace.
Beginner
From age 8, no experience neededSkillsHold, tune and care for your instrument
Keep the beat of a waltz and of a ranchera
Play a simple son in a group of beginners
Read a first line of music with your teacher
Moving upYour teacher moves you up when your group can play a whole son together. Every student moves at their own pace.
Intermediate
From age 10, after BeginnerSkillsPlay your part in the full ensemble
Accompany a singer and follow the voice
Play in two and three parts in your section
Prepare a piece for the next performance
Moving upYour teacher and the director talk it over after a performance. Every player moves at their own pace.
Advanced
From age 13, by invitation of the directorSkillsPlay a full program with the senior ensemble
Lead a section rehearsal for newer players
Accompany a soloist from start to finish
Choose and learn songs with the director
Moving upThis is the level where you help the others. Many students stay here for years, and some begin to teach.
Sample levels.
What happens in a class
Lessons are 30, 45 or 60 minutes, once a week. Every class runs in the same order, so you always know where you are.
- 01
Step 1: Warm up
Tune, stretch and play something you already know, so your hands arrive before your head does.
- 02
Step 2: Something new
One idea at a time: shown, played slowly and then played together.
- 03
Step 3: A plan for the week
A short list of what to practice, written down, so you know what to do at home.
At home
What to have at home
Ask your teacher before you buy or rent anything. We can tell you what to look for in a first instrument.
An instrument
One in the right size for you or your child. Ask us whether one can be borrowed for your first weeks.
A quiet corner
A chair and a stand, and ten minutes a day. A little every day is better than a lot once a week.
A notebook
For the plan your teacher writes down each week, and for your own notes about what felt hard.
Not sure where to start?
Book a trial class and a teacher will help you choose an instrument, a level and a day.