The Mariachi Voice

Preface Forewords by Mark Fogelquist, Mariachi Director and Dr. Karen Hall, Professor of Voice & Author of So You Want To Sing Musical Theatre

Acknowledgements and Delimitations

Chapter 1: Mariachi Song: Introduction Introduction-What is Mariachi Singing? Growth of Mariachi in the United States and Mexico Understanding Terms: Ranchera, Mariache, Mariachi, Música Regional Mexicana and Mexican Song Historical Challenges in Defining Mexican Song Lessons

Chapter 2: History: Mariachi Singers and their Songs Ranchera Rural Folk Origins Vocal Roots and Early Twentieth Century Rancheras Mexico's Golden Age of Cinema, Singers, and Songs Manuel M. Ponce "The Father of Mexican Song" Solo Ranchera Singers become celebrities through Media Expansion Crossover singing: Jorge Negrete and Operas rancheras Mexico's Premiere Voice Teacher: Maestro José Pierson The Bolero in Mexico- History, Singers, and Composers Ranchera Singing Style Singer/Songwriter: José Alfredo Jiménez: Third Period in Mariachi History Female Ranchera Singers and Composers Bravío Ranchera Singing-Lucha Reyes Vocal Conditions for Female Ranchera Singers Key Dates in Ranchera Vocal History Lessons

Chapter 3: Mariachi Voice Pedagogy I. Voice Production and Vocal Care A Visual Starting Place for Vocalists Understanding Your Vocal Instrument by John Nix A Voice Lesson: Alignment, Breath, and Vowel Voice Teacher or Voice Coach-What's the Difference? Female Mariachi Fach Falsete: To Bridge or to Break What is Falsete? Can Anyone Sing Falsete? Where Does Falsete Come From? How do I Learn Falsete or Have My Voice Teacher Help Me? What is Belt Voice? Handling Vocal Fatigue and Developing Mindfulness Mariachi Directors Provide Voice Leadership Similarities between Mariachi and Classical Vocal Production Differences between Mariachi and Classical Vocal Production Lessons

II. Warm-ups, Vocalises and Practicing Wake up Warm-ups Vocalises: Mariachi Song Excerpts Practicing Getting Started-Rest in Action! Advanced Growth in Practicing

III. Find the Right Key for Your Song Lessons

Chapter 4: Preparing to be a Mariachi Singer The Voice is the Instrument Everybody Shares Group Singers, Ensemble Soloist, Mariachi Soloist: Where Do You Fit in? Costumes, Make-up, and Singing With a Microphone

Chapter 5: Mariachi Rhythms and Choosing Song Repertoire Overview of Mariachi Rhythmic Styles Why Good Singers Listen to Rhythm Rhythm Exercises and Learning Songs Six Basic Rhythms Choosing Mariachi Voice Repertoire Graded Song Lists: Beginning, Young Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced Vocal Levels Lessons

Chapter 6: Songs, Diction, Lyrics, IPA, and Translations I. Diction, Lessons, and How to Memorize Lyrics Introduction to Mexican Spanish Lyric Diction Important Mariachi Words with International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)-Lessons 1-5 Memorizing Lyrics Lessons: Song Studies; History, Lyrics and Translations, Guide; Acting, Performing Artist, and Composer Studies

II. 20 Ranchera Songs with Translations and IPA

Chapter 7: Mariachi Music Fundamentals Sheet Music in Mariachi's Urban Period Ranchera Composers and Arrangers use Sheet Music: Manuel Esperón, Ruben Fuentes, Mariachi Vargas, Jorge Negrete Music Fundamentals in Schools Bilingual Theory and Solfege Versus Letter Note Reading Bilingual Music Fundamentals Meter and Rhythmic Note Values Transcription of Melodies and Rhythms Three Basic Chords Popular Mariachi Keys Finding a Singer's Best Key Tempo Terms in Spanish, Italian and English

Chapter 8: Four Mariachi Artist Interviews on the Voice Linda Ronstadt: Mexican-American Multi-Grammy Winner in Mariachi and Queen of Contemporary Crossover Singing. She has twelve Grammys in diverse vocal styles, Academy of Country Music Awards, The Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, Emmy Award, Tony, and Emmy nominations, "The Sound of my Voice" documentary, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and recipient of a Kennedy Center Honor.

Jorge Negrete: An Interview With Rafael Jorge Negrete and Diana Irene Negrete, Two Singers who happen to also be Grandchildren of Legendary Ranchera Singer from the Golden Age of Cinema, Singers, and songs, Mr. Jorge Negrete, El charro cantor.

Flor de Toloache: 2017 Latin Grammy-Winning Quartet who Fuse Mariachi With Contemporary Soul, Blues, and Caribbean Rhythms From Their New York City Base.

Raul Cuellar: Traditional Mexican-American Singer and Violinist from San Antonio, Texas. Performer with Camperos de Nati Cano Mariachi.

Resources Glossary Bibliography Index