Growing up in a more "classical" setting, he refined and modernized the mariachi ensemble with his arranging and composition style.

This is the original birth state of mariachi.

The term used to describe rhythms in which the pulse alternates between 3/4 and 6/8.

Scholars such as Jonathan Clark have suggested that this major event in Mexican history marks a clear turning point in the evolution of mariachi.

This is the term that describes the 6/8 part of the sesquiáltera.

Once the musical director of Mariachi Vargas, he was affectionately known as "Hormiga" by his colleagues.

Aside from Jalisco, the rich musical culture of this Mexican state often finds its way into mariachi repertoire.

This section is the "lifeline" of the entire mariachi ensemble.

It was because of sponsorship from this organization that Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán was able to stay in Mexico's capital and become widely known as "El Mejor Mariachi del Mundo".

Violin technique in which the full bow is used to play a short note duration, such as an eighth or quarter, in a sawing motion.

He was the original founder of "The Best Mariachi in the World."

Historically, musicians and composers would gather here in hopes of being discovered...or at least hired for a gig that day!

Before guitarrón dominated as the preferred bass instrument, this instrument carried the bass line for early mariachi ensembles.

Independence was not gained here but rather, a significant battle occurred in which French occupiers were rejected from Mexico.

This is the term that describes the round back found on the guitarrón and vihuela.

Widely known for having perfect pitch, countless stories have emerged about this person's ability to compose a musical work using no instruments, often jotting down his ideas on napkins or scrap pieces of paper.

The musical style of this city became the preferred style of mariachi during the "radio boom".

Although it is not the first of its kind, it is definitely the largest often bringing in anywhere between 600-800 participants.

He is considered the "Father of Mexico" (and some Central American countries) since he initiated the war for independence from Spain.

Term which instructs members of the trumpet section to cover the bell of their horn with the palm of their hand.

He was the original director of the mariachi that would later be renamed "Sol de México" upon his return to Mexico.

This is the "Carnegie Hall" of Mexico City.

Before the Traje de Gala was adopted as the official uniform of mariachi ensembles, this was the traditional garment often used.

This is the earliest year in which historians have found the word "mariachi" written in a document.

This is the "classical" term which describes the signing technique often used in mariachi and is almost certainly attributed to Jorge Negrete for its introduction into ranchera music.