Colorado Youth Mariachi Program

Description: 

Colorado Youth Mariachi Program (CYMP) is a 501c3 non-profit specializing in mariachi education for young people. We offer classes, performances, and community events with the goal of inspiring youth through the art of music making and mariachi culture. Inspired by their personal experiences growing up in under-resourced communities, CYMP founders recognized the transformative power of music education beyond technical skill development. CYMP views mariachi education as an essential vehicle for cultural representation, equitable access to the arts, and the affirmation of students’ identities.

Mission Statement:

CYMP is on a mission to empower youth through an equitable mariachi program that provides quality instruction in instrumental and vocal education, performance techniques, and cultural preservation that fosters cultural pride, leadership and artistic excellence for Colorado youth. 

Purpose:

A sustainable and quality music education can play an important role in many students’ lives. Mariachi is respected as a world heritage art form by UNESCO and a powerful tool for academic success. Many schools around the country have seen high academic achievement, rise in student engagement and improved attendance rates from at-risk students benefiting from a mariachi program in their schools. Although our program is community based we hope to inspire and support school administration and music teachers to join the mariachi education movement and help make mariachi education sustainable in Colorado.   

Vision:

A vibrant Colorado community where young people have access to quality mariachi music education that promotes and encourages cultural pride, and opportunities for artistic growth and leadership.

Core Values:

• Cultural Pride: We honor and promote the rich traditions of mariachi music by teaching it authentically and respectfully, preserving its traditions while helping it thrive in a new generation. We believe in helping students express themselves, find belonging, and represent their culture with pride and purpose.

• Accessibility: Every youth deserves access to quality music education, regardless of background or income. We serve underrepresented youth and work to ensure that cost, background, or opportunity never limit a student’s access to transformational music education.

• Community: We build strong connections between students, families, and the wider community. We believe in building strong, reciprocal partnerships that uplift our students, respect our program’s contributions, and expand access to mariachi throughout Colorado.

• Excellence: We provide high-quality instruction and performance opportunities. We believe great musicianship starts with great teaching. Our curriculum is intentional, structured, and rooted in both lived mariachi experience and formal music education.

• Empowerment: We help youth develop confidence, teamwork, and creativity through music. We are committed to helping young people through meaningful, high-quality experiences that nurtures not only musical skill, but also personal development.