University of Nevada, Las Vegas launches mariachi educator program

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is addressing a shortage of music instructors by offering one of the first mariachi minors in the United States. The program aims to train educators to support the Clark County School District, which manages one of the largest mariachi programs in the country, serving approximately 6,000 middle and high school students.

Axel Rodríguez Olivas is expected to become the program's first graduate. Mariachi music remains a significant cultural staple in Las Vegas, where the Latino population exceeds one-third of the residents.