SDSU Introduces New Mariachi Class to Music Program

News Summary

San Diego State University is set to enhance its music program with the introduction of a new mariachi class. Led by respected instructor Jeffrey Nevin, the course aims to promote musical diversity and educate students on the rich cultural significance of mariachi music. Students will learn various instruments and performance practices, creating a pathway for aspiring musicians to transition from an associate program to a four-year degree.

San Diego – San Diego State University (SDSU) is set to enhance its music program in 2024 by introducing a new mariachi class, marking a significant addition to its curriculum. The initiative comes from Kevin Delgado, the director of the School of Music and Dance, who aims to promote musical diversity and broaden educational offerings at the university.

Jeffrey Nevin, PhD, a highly respected figure in the world of mariachi music, has been appointed as the instructor for this new course. Nevin is recognized as one of the foremost composers, conductors, and performers of classical mariachi music. He leads Mariachi Champaña Nevin, an ensemble celebrated for its innovative blend of traditional Mexican and European classical music. The group has a remarkable performance history, having entertained audiences in the United States, Mexico, and even countries such as Russia and South Korea.

Currently, the class has approximately 30 students enrolled, some of whom are former pupils of Nevin. The course is designed to accommodate both seasoned musicians and those who are new to the genre, offering opportunities for all skill levels to engage with mariachi music. Students will have the chance to learn a variety of instruments, including trumpet, violin, guitar, vihuela, and guitarrón, as well as develop crucial skills in music reading and ear training. A key component of the curriculum involves performance practices that educate students about the rich history and cultural significance of mariachi music.

In addition to his role at SDSU, Nevin is a Professor of Music and the Director of Mariachi Activities at Southwestern College. He is credited with creating a comprehensive mariachi curriculum that has garnered attention and acclaim. This program, established in 2004, became the first of its kind in the world to receive accreditation, offering an Associate Degree in Music with a specialization in mariachi. It has attracted students not only from California but also from across the border in Mexico.

Nevin’s vision extends beyond individual educational endeavors; he believes that mariachi should be considered an integral aspect of college music education rather than relegated to a separate department. His work at Southwestern and now at SDSU reflects a commitment to elevating mariachi music within the broader context of academic study and professional development.

As the SDSU mariachi class prepares to launch, Nevin envisions creating a seamless transition for students from the Associate’s program at Southwestern to a four-year degree at SDSU. This pathway aims to support aspiring musicians who seek careers in the evolving landscape of music, particularly within genres that include mariachi.

The introduction of this class at SDSU symbolizes an important step in recognizing the value of mariachi as both an art form and an educational pursuit. The efforts of Kevin Delgado and Jeffrey Nevin align with a broader trend in higher education that seeks to embrace diverse musical traditions and foster inclusivity within music programs.

Overall, the addition of the mariachi class at San Diego State University represents a commitment to enriching the university’s music offerings while providing students with an opportunity to engage deeply with a culturally significant musical genre.

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• Times of San Diego: Making Beautiful Music Mariachi at SDSU
• Google Search: mariachi music
• 10 News: Mariachi Program Hits High Note
• Wikipedia: Mariachi
• San Diego Union-Tribune: Upcoming San Diego Concerts
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mariachi
• San Diego Magazine: Tribute to Three Greats
• Google News: mariachi events San Diego