Date

12-2021

Department

School of Music

Degree

Doctor of Music Education (DME)

Chair

Betty (Mindy) Melinda Damon

Keywords

mariachi repertoire, music education, Mexican culture

Disciplines

Music

Abstract

A standard prescribed music list exists for band, orchestra, and choral music ensembles in Texas K-12 music education. Presently, no prescribed music list exists for mariachi ensembles or degree plans in Texas at the collegiate level. This study used explanatory sequential mixed methods to examine the differences in seven Texas collegiate mariachi programs’ standard teaching and performance repertoire. The study explored the commonalities and differences in repertoire and balance of mariachi genres in instruction. The repertoire of diverse genres reflects influences associated with European, Caribbean, and Indigenous cultures and musical forms. Related issues of this study included music literacy, college readiness, vertical alignment, and transferability to four-year institutions. Research showed some regions in Texas have more robust K-12 mariachi programs than others, therefore demanding a more rigorous repertoire at their neighboring collegiate institutions. Good pedagogical practices were similar for all institutions, including a standard repertoire for each mariachi genre. Several complex genres were simplified for students not skilled in reading traditional musical notations. The findings implied high-quality musical, cultural, and language studies exist in the repertoire. The result of this research suggests that participation in collegiate mariachi programs encourages and empowers minorities in pursuing higher education. The study may inform collegiate mariachi directors who lack a background in mariachi music and non-native Spanish speakers, leading to continued research in collegiate mariachi curriculum.

Download

Included in

Music Commons

Share

COinS