Teachers

Seven teachers, and the days each one teaches

You work with one teacher each week.

Aureliano Zendejas
Director. Vihuela and ensemble
Aureliano started the academy so young people in the neighborhood could learn mariachi the way he did: by playing with others from the first week. He teaches vihuela, writes the ensemble's arrangements and leads the Friday rehearsals. He speaks Spanish and English. In the building Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Librado Delatorre
Guitarrón
Librado has played the guitarrón most of his life. He teaches the bass of the mariachi: how to hold the beat so everyone else can follow it. He plays with the Saturday family ensemble. He speaks Spanish. In the building Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Eligio Cardiel
Theory and harmony
Eligio explains written music patiently: how to read a line, count a measure and understand the chords of a song you already know. He teaches harmony and arranging to the advanced group. He speaks Spanish and English. In the building Monday and Wednesday.
Aldahir Mota
Trumpet
Aldahir teaches trumpet from the breath and the mouthpiece to the two-trumpet lines that lead a song in the ensemble. He asks every student to play a little every day, even for ten minutes. He speaks Spanish and English. In the building Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Luzmila Perdomo
Voice
Luzmila teaches ranchera singing: breathing, tuning and telling a story with your voice. She works with young voices, adult voices and people who have never sung in front of anyone. She speaks Spanish. In the building Tuesday and Thursday.
Gregoria Talamantes
Violin, intermediate and advanced
Gregoria teaches violin to intermediate and advanced students and prepares the string sections of the ensemble. She likes to rehearse a hard passage slowly, together, until it feels easy. She speaks Spanish and English. In the building Wednesday and Saturday.
Crescencia Bazan
Violin for beginners and children
Crescencia welcomes those who are starting: children from eight and adults who have never played. She begins with a melody the student already hums. She helps lead the Saturday beginners' ensemble. She speaks Spanish. In the building Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.