Fundamentals of Mariachi for Educators - University of Houston
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Fundamentals of Mariachi for Educators

June 10-14, 2024 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

The Mariachi Program of the University of Houston, Moores School of Music introduces a five-day summer professional development seminar for educators.  

Master the fundamentals of mariachi violin, armonía (vihuela, guitar), and guitarrón through five, fun and inspiring, all-day, group mariachi classes. Jose Longoria, UH Mariachi professor, will help music teachers from all disciplines learn to play and teach the mariachi strummed instruments and beginning violin. Professor Longoria will also provide helpful resources and guidance for organizing a mariachi program within a school.   

On the final day of the course, Friday, June 14, there will be a casual performance to celebrate your mariachi mastery with your family, friends, and fans!  

All participants will receive certificates for 35 hours of Continued Professional Education (CPE) credit.  

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

What to look forward to

  • About

    Date:  June 10-14, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

    Location: University of Houston, Moores School of Music
    3333 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX 77204  

    Cost: $450 (enrollment capped at 15 educators). Scholarships available.
    (Weeklong parking passes available for an additional $40)  

    Who: Music educators! No previous experience in mariachi required. Jose Longoria, UH Mariachi professor, will help music teachers from all disciplines learn to play and teach the mariachi strummed instruments and beginning violinProf. Longoria will also provide helpful resources and guidance for organizing a mariachi program within a school  

    Register Here

    Participants are eligible for 35 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) clock hours.

  • Typical Daily Schedule

    9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

    Guitarrón (a limited number of guitarrónes will be available to borrow)

    10:30 - noon

    Armonía (a limited number of vihuelas will be available to borrow)

    12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

    Lunch (not included)

    1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

    Violin

    2:30 - 4:00 p.m.

    Group rehearsal

  • Registration, Tuition, What to Bring

    Register Here

    What to Bring:
    • If you have access to mariachi instruments, please bring your own violin, guitar, vihuela, and/or guitarrón.
    • PLEASE NOTE: a limited number of instruments will be available to borrow, but we welcome and encourage anyone who can bring their own and/or extras for our cohort of educators.
    • Your own lunch (not provided).

    Tuition and Fees: $450 (enrollment capped at 15 students). Scholarships available
    ($40 UH parking pass is available for registered participants) 
     

    (Once your registration is processed, all participants will be emailed an invoice and any additional information needed. Acceptance emails and invoices with a link to payment will be sent from caa@central.uh.edu within one-week of the registration deadline.) 

    Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to the first 15 educators who register. All remaining registrants will be placed on a wait list.

    Moores School of Music will accept priority registrations until May 15, 2024.

  • About Our Faculty

    Jose Longoria: Director of Mariachi Pumas at the University of Houston

    Jose Longoria is a prominent figure in mariachi music, serving as the Director of the Mariachi Pumas at the University of Houston. Hailing from a rich tradition of mariachi musicians, Longoria's journey began in Houston, Texas, where he inherited his father's band, Mariachi Imperial de America. Founded by his father, Adrian Longoria, in the 1980s, Mariachi Imperial gained international acclaim under Jose's leadership, performing across continents and releasing multiple albums, including the acclaimed "Recibe Hasta el Cielo."

    Beyond his family legacy, Longoria is dedicated to sharing his mariachi expertise and preserving the tradition. Armed with a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Houston-Downtown, he pioneered mariachi programs at local schools, enriching students' lives with the vibrant sounds of mariachi music. Today, Longoria is well known as the pioneer of both the mariachi bands at Patrick Henry Middle School and Sam Houston High School, with over 240 students under his guidance.

    At the University of Houston, Longoria's impact extends as the Director of the Mariachi Pumas. This vibrant ensemble allows students to immerse themselves in traditional Mexican music, regardless of their major or musical experience. Led by Longoria, the Mariachi Pumas represent UH at various events, showcasing the university's commitment to cultural diversity and artistic excellence.

    Jose Longoria's dedication to mariachi music and his leadership at the University of Houston underscores his role as both a cultural ambassador and an educator. Through his work, he ensures that the rich tradition of mariachi continues to thrive for generations to come.

Mariachi Faculty

Mariachi violinists performing with audience members holding up phone lights in the background

Registration Information

Priority registration deadline is May 15, 2024 by 11:59 PM.

Register Here

Who can register: Music educators interested in learning more about the art of mariachi.

Questions? Please email caa@central.uh.edu or call 713.743.3398.