About the position
UTRGV seeks a dynamic and experienced Mariachi ensemble musician and teacher to serve as Co-Director of UTRGV Mariachi. The rank of senior lecturer or professor of practice (both of which are non-tenure track) will depend upon the candidate's credentials. This 3-year appointment is a 12-month position, beginning September 1, 2025. This position is a continuing appointment, renewable upon successful periodic performance evaluations and budget availability. Since its beginning in 1999, the UTRGV Mariachi program has set the standard for collegiate Mariachi programs across the country. UTRGV Mariachi is made up of four distinct ensembles, most notably Mariachi Aztlán, which has traveled throughout Mexico and the United States as musical ambassadors representing the beauty of Hispanic music and cultural traditions. Recognitions for performance excellence initiated an invitation from the White House to perform at the signing ceremony of an Executive Order. In collaboration with the Houston Grand Opera, Mariachi Aztlán premiered the stage production of Cruzar la Cara de la Luna, the world's first Mariachi Opera in December 2010. Mariachi Aztlán also premiered the mariachi opera El Pasado Nunca Se Termina with the Chicago Lyric Opera in 2015. Other national performances include the Tucson International Mariachi Conference, San Diego International Mariachi Festivals, Santa Barbara Bowl, CA, Chicago Mariachi Festivals, Mariachi Spectacular, Albuquerque, NM and the Mariachi Extravaganza Competition in San Antonio. Other national performances at prestigious venues include the Hollywood Bowl, the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center, and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Mariachi Aztlán has toured with the "The Queen of Mariachi," Aida Cuevas, throughout the U.S., performing at more than 20 distinguished venues across America. Mariachi Aztlán released a CD, Mi Nombre Es México to commemorate their 25th Anniversary. In addition to successful performing ensembles, the School of Music offers a Bachelor of Music (Teacher Certification) with a concentration in Mariachi. Alumni from this program have led successful Mariachi middle and high school programs throughout the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. The successful candidate will oversee UTRGV Mariachi in collaboration with the current Co-Director and will direct mariachi ensembles, teach applied lessons in their area of specialty (voice or instrumental), and may offer courses in mariachi pedagogy and techniques, depending upon the successful candidate's experience. This position requires a deep understanding of mariachi tradition and performance practices, as well as a commitment to high-quality music education. As a 12-month faculty member, the successful candidate will teach fall and spring semester courses related to their area of expertise. During the summer sessions, the successful candidate will teach courses, co-direct Mariachi camps for pre-college and college students, and co-lead performance tours and recording projects.
Responsibilities
- Oversee UTRGV Mariachi in collaboration with the current Co-Director.
- Direct mariachi ensembles.
- Teach applied lessons in their area of specialty (voice or instrumental).
- Offer courses in mariachi pedagogy and techniques, depending upon experience.
- Teach fall and spring semester courses related to their area of expertise.
- Teach courses during summer sessions.
- Co-direct Mariachi camps for pre-college and college students.
- Co-lead performance tours and recording projects.
Requirements
- Master of Music or a Bachelor's degree in Music and a Master's degree in a related field (e.g., education, curriculum and instruction, arts administration, etc.) for Senior Lecturer.
- Bachelor's degree in music with significant professional experience commensurate with a Master's degree for Professor of Practice.
- Experience performing in Mexican regional music styles.
- Demonstrated teaching expertise in Mexican regional music styles.
- Demonstrated success in directing a mariachi ensemble at the high school, collegiate, or professional level.
- Expertise in different regions and styles of Mexican music.
- Strong knowledge of mariachi traditions, history, and pedagogy.
- Expertise in one or more Mariachi instruments (voice, violin, trumpet, guitar, vihuela or guitarron).
- Commitment to student success, including supporting students to graduate in a timely manner.
- Commitment to collaborating with faculty in Mariachi, music education, orchestra, and applied areas.
Nice-to-haves
- Background in arranging or composing for mariachi ensembles.
- Connections within the mariachi music community at the local, regional, or national level.
Benefits
- Salary range of $75,000-$85,000.
