As the new director of Texas’ Mariachi Paredes, Assistant Professor of Practice Greg Cavazos brings 19 years of experience as an educator and performer. Throughout his career, he’s held key positions that were pivotal in developing and enhancing mariachi programs at Eagle Pass High School, Cavazos Middle School and Lubbock High School. Cavazos served as a mariachi director for Mariachi Javelina at Texas A&M University-Kingsville and provided master classes at Texas Tech University. He also worked as the activities director and lead trumpet instructor at the Texas Tech University Mariachi Camp. In addition to his mariachi expertise, Cavazos has served as an assistant band director and assistant orchestra director. As a performer, Cavazos has collaborated with renowned artists such as George Strait, Beatriz Montes and Jimmy Gonzalez. He holds a B.M. in Music Education from Texas A&M University-Kingsville and a M.M. in Musicology with an emphasis on mariachi music from Texas Tech University.
Tell us about the classes you will be teaching this year.
I will be teaching the Mariachi Paredes de Tejastitlán and Mariachi Utlán at the Butler School of Music. In addition to directing these ensembles, I will be teaching a course that will encompass on aspects of mariachi education. I am very excited to share the beauty of mariachi music and culture with all students.
What attracted you to the Butler School of Music and The University of Texas at Austin?
The prestigious reputation of the Butler School and the opportunity to work with students in a university-level mariachi ensemble is what attracted me to UT, but I am also very happy to now reside in the Central Texas area, which is close to my parents who live in my hometown of Eagle Pass, Texas.
How did your professional pathway lead to your focus on mariachi music?
A pivotal moment in my life occurred when I was 15. I attended a quinceañera where a mariachi group performed, and I was captivated by their vibrant sound. My journey into the world of mariachi music began soon after during my formative years in school, where I was fortunate to have access to a mariachi ensemble class at Eagle Pass High School. I fully immersed myself in this new world, collecting every mariachi album I could find. This early exposure allowed me to develop a deep appreciation for its cultural richness and musical complexity. After high school, my decision to pursue a music degree at Texas A&M University – Kingsville was a natural progression of my growing dedication to mariachi music. The combination of my educational experiences and personal passion for mariachi has been instrumental in shaping my professional pathway, enabling me to contribute to the preservation and promotion of this culturally significant genre.
What’s something you want your colleagues and students to know about you?
I want my students and colleagues to know that I am here to help. Many teachers, colleagues, family and friends helped me along the way, and I would love to give back through guidance, mentorship, collaboration and teaching.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not teaching/researching/working?
During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family. On the weekends, we like to try out new restaurants, take our daughter to kids’ events, spend time with friends and watch movies at home. I also like to cook and have recently taken an interest in BBQ culture.