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Step 1
Select from the two main categories of mariachi music, which are authentic folk mariachi and commercial urban mariachi. Authentic folk mariachi contains only string instruments, while commercial urban mariachi may include many types of instruments as well as non-traditional rhythms.
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Step 2
Select crowd-pleasing music by sticking with the most popular mariachi songs. These include "Guadalajara," "La Cucaracha," "Mexico Lindo y Querido," "La Bamba" and, of course, "El Mariachi."
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Step 3
Learn the different types of genres found in mariachi music. On the traditional end of the spectrum, you'll find son jalisciense (the classic dance music often accompanied by intricate foot-stamping), cancion ranchera (a simpler, often emotional traditional sound), mariachi corrido (a storytelling style), mariachi bolero (a romantic style) and huapango (similar to son jalisciense, but softer). Mariachi can also be performed in waltz and polka styles.
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Step 4
Explore more complex or contemporary styles of mariachi music. These include joropo (a complex style incorporating jazz elements), danzon (a unique type of dance music influenced by Cuban sounds), pasodoble (similar to polka), potpouri (medleys of several popular songs), san jarocho (a technically advanced style emphasizing intricate string parts) and cumbia (a style derived from Colombian music).
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Step 5
Find a local mariachi band to perform the music by visiting the GigSalad.com website (see Resources below). There are a variety of mariachi bands, so be sure to select the one that is appropriate for the occasion.
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Step 6
Purchase and learn more about mariachi music online by visiting MariachiMusic.com, Mariachi.org or ElMariachi.com (see Resources below).
