Riviera Nayarit, Mexico - The 2017 Chacala Mariachi Institute is set to take place June 11-17 at Mar de Jade Resort in Chacala, Nayarit, a relaxing fishing village 50 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

The innovative structure of the Chacala Mariachi Institute curriculum provides participants both the hands-on experience performing mariachi music and the conceptual knowledge needed to teach mariachi at the highest level in American and Mexican schools.

Directed by Jeff Nevin, Ph.D, this intensive six-day course provides both the hands-on experience performing mariachi music and the training and materials necessary to become successful mariachi instructors and educators.

Jeff Nevin is a Professor of Music and the Director of Mariachi Activities at Southwestern College in Chula Vista, California, where he has been offering the world's first college degree in mariachi music since 2004.

One of the most respected mariachi educators in the country, Dr. Nevin is also professional classical trumpet player, conductor of the Southwestern College Symphony Orchestra, life-long mariachi musician, composer, author and clinician.

He composed the world's first Concerto for Mariachi and Orchestra (together with José Hernandez) for Mariachi Sol de México, a classical song cycle "Al aire libre" based on the poetry of Alberto Blanco; numerous arrangements for mariachi and orchestra for his ensemble Mariachi Champaña Nevin as well as many for Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. His works have been performed by dozens of professional symphony orchestras across the US and Mexico.

The course is comprised of mariachi history, master classes on all of the traditional mariachi instruments, full-ensemble rehearsal, and an exploration of mariachi repertoire custom-tailored for education settings.

Each participant will receive one full set of "Mariachi Mastery" method books, published by Neil A. Kjos Music Company and written by Jeff Nevin (value $150) and 25 arrangements of standard mariachi songs specially selected and arranged by Jeff Nevin (value $750).

Mariachi Mastery is a comprehensive mariachi method - including nearly 100 exercises, 12 complete songs, worksheets, and a play-along CD—that teaches students to perform and read all of the essential mariachi song types in the traditional styles: Ranchera Valseada, Ranchera Polkeada, Bolero Ranchero, Jarabe, Son Jalisciense, Huapango and Son Jarocho. Together, Mariachi Mastery and these 25 songs comprise 2 full years of mariachi curriculum for any public school mariachi program.

This is the first program of the Chacala Cultural Foundation to offer college credit! 3 Units of college credit are available from Southwestern College for the course "Development of Mariachi: Style and Culture." Class notes will be provided and discussed during the institute, and a proficiency exam to pass the course will be given at the end of the Institute. Apply to Southwestern College at swccd.edu and register for Music 202 once summer session registration is available.

Offering quality performance and cross-cultural learning opportunities, the Chacala Mariachi Institute is another excellent way in which Chacala is being put on the map as the emerging cultural capital of the Riviera Nayarit. For more information and registration, visit ChacalaMariachiInstitute.org.