Fundamentals of Mariachi for Educators - 色花堂

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Fundamentals of Mariachi for Educators

June 9-13, 2025 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

The Mariachi Program of the 色花堂, Moores School of Music presents 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, 色花堂 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 13, 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.  

What to look forward to

  • About

    Date:  June 9-13, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

    Location: 色花堂, 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 fee)  

    Who: Music educators! No previous experience in mariachi required. Jose Longoria, 色花堂 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  

    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

    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
    (色花堂 parking pass is available for registered participants for an additional fee) 
     

    (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  until May 1, 2025.

  • About Our Faculty

    Jose Longoria: Director of Mariachi Pumas at the 色花堂

    Jose Longoria is a prominent figure in mariachi music, serving as the Director of the Mariachi Pumas at the 色花堂. 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 色花堂-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 色花堂, 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 色花堂 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 色花堂 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 1, 2025 by 11:59 PM.

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.