Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Acevedo
Hi Michael , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born into a musical family. My parents and uncles played in a Christian Tejano band, so music was always a big part of my life. I started playing trumpet in 6th grade and was deeply involved in the church, where I had the opportunity to explore and develop my talents. I was free to use my musical abilities in that environment, which helped me grow.
In high school and college, I began to dive into jazz music. However, it wasn’t until college that I was introduced to mariachi. One summer, I was asked if I wanted to make money playing my trumpet, and I couldn’t resist. That first summer of college, I immersed myself in studying mariachi music, and I instantly fell in love with it. While I still continued to play classical and jazz, mariachi became a growing passion.
As my involvement in mariachi deepened, I began to write and arrange music for our college mariachi, especially after we faced budget limitations that prevented us from purchasing music. It was during this time that I discovered my love for music composition and arranging.
I graduated with a degree in music education from Texas A&M University – Kingsville and later pursued a master’s degree in trumpet performance from the University of Texas at Austin. During my graduate school years, I was fortunate to be offered the opportunity to run the mariachi program there as well. At the same time, I was involved in several professional mariachi groups and even started my own group.
After earning my master’s degree, I had the privilege of applying for a position as a middle school mariachi and band director, as well as a part-time mariachi director at UTSA—and I was lucky enough to be offered both positions. I was a young teacher, learning the ropes and growing my middle school and UTSA mariachi programs.
In 2016, the mariachi position at UTSA was cut, and I stayed full-time with my middle school job. However, two years later, the position was reinstated, and I was able to return and rebuild the program. That first semester, we had just 7 members and one group. But within two years, we had grown to two full mariachis, and today, our program has 55 students.
In 2023, I was invited to join the UTSA faculty full-time, where I now run both mariachi groups and teach music education courses. I am currently finishing my second full year at UTSA. It has been an incredible journey, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to grow alongside these amazing programs.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There were certainly challenges along the way. As a new teacher, I didn’t have many mentors during my first few years, which made the experience feel isolating. The schools I worked at didn’t have established mariachi programs, so I had to create a culture from the ground up while learning how to teach effectively at the same time.
Additionally, I wasn’t from San Antonio, so I didn’t have a local network to lean on. San Antonio is home to so many mariachi legends, and I found myself trying to carve out my own space in a city with such a rich musical history. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been a rewarding journey.
I’m still not where I want to be, but I’m committed to continuing to work, learn, and grow. I’ll keep pushing forward, striving to make San Antonio proud of the work I do and the mariachi community I’m a part of.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently direct two mariachi ensembles at UTSA, where I focus on making a meaningful impact in both the university and the broader community. My goal is to create a space where mariachi musicians feel comfortable, supported, and inspired to learn. My expertise lies in mariachi music and trumpet performance, but I also teach jazz courses and instrumental methods for music majors.
What I’m most proud of is the growth and success of the mariachi program, especially considering all the challenges we’ve faced along the way. My relationship with my students is at the core of everything I do. They’ve chosen to be a part of this program, and I take that responsibility to heart. I’ve worked hard to cultivate a safe, inclusive environment where students can learn, grow, and connect with each other, all while maintaining high musical standards.
We are committed to performing at the highest level, whether it’s on stage at UTSA or in the community. Our performances are a reflection of the hard work and dedication we put into our music, and we will continue to strive for excellence in every opportunity that comes our way.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as making continuous forward progress, no matter how big or small the steps may be.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utsamariachi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UTSAMariachiLosPaisanos
