Founded informally in 1961 and first introduced as a formal course of study in 1964, Mariachi de Uclatlán is the first ensemble of its kind to be established at an academic university and is dedicated to the performance and preservation of traditional Mexican music, culture, and heritage at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.

Under the tutelage of Grammy-winning musical director, Jesús “Chuy” Guzmán, the ensemble is admired around the world for its exceptional legacy of passionate musical excellence and impact on mariachi education.

Mariachi de Uclatlán features UCLA students – both graduate and undergraduate – and staff from diverse backgrounds and in fields spanning the full breadth of UCLA. Along with the Music of México Ensemble (Ethnomusicology 91K), Uclatlán features mariachi music in a variety of musical styles from various regions of Mexico, including son jalisciense, son huasteco, bolero, ranchera, and huapango.