By
eHow Careers & Work Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Step1
Join an established mariachi band before starting your own. Depending on your experience with the music, you may need to learn songs and techniques. However, there is little in the way of formal instruction or even written guides. New musicians learn by playing with the experts.
Step2
Gather your ensemble. Though there is plenty of variation, especially in the United States, a mariachi band traditionally includes the following elements: 2 or 3 trumpets; a guitar and/or vihuela to provide the rhythm; between 6 and 8 violins; and, most importantly, a guitarrón for base. From time to time, an arrangement might call for a flute or accordion.
Step3
Learn to sing. Musicians are often reluctant to sing, but crooning is an essential part of mariachi music. You will need a lead singer and a host of voices in the chorus, so make sure it's integrated into practice.
Step4
Get the right look for your band. The typical costume requires a sombrero, a cotton tunic and long, straight pants. Finish it off with a bow-tie, cape and cummerbund and you're ready to go. Though the costume has evolved to look formal, you might consider that the earliest bands were roving peasants, and wore coarse attire.
Step5
Line up some gigs. Serenades might be a good place to start, as you will play for a limited audience. Ask around and find a lovestruck gentleman who needs to impress a lady as she gazes out of her bedroom window. Better yet, start by surprising your mother.
Step6
Participate in a mariachi festival. Events like the one held in San Jose, California each year attract thousands. Festivals are a great way to meet fans, participate in workshops and, of course, hear the music of many different mariachi bands.
