Celebrating Cultural Connections Through Music

At Canal Fulton Music, we’re passionate about more than just teaching notes and rhythms. We believe music has the power to build bridges — between cultures, communities, and generations. That’s why we were especially inspired by the story of Susana Diaz‑Lopez, a music teacher in Texas who uses traditional mariachi to help her students connect with Mexican culture.


🎵 Why Mariachi?

Students practicing mariachi in Ms. Diaz-Lopez' class.
Students practicing mariachi instruments — courtesy of PBS News Hour.

The mariachi genre is much more than performance—it’s a bridge to cultural identity. Many of Diaz-Lopez’s students come from Mexican or Mexican-American backgrounds, and by learning mariachi they are engaging with music that reflects their heritage.

She emphasizes both musical proficiency and cultural context: students don’t just learn to play the trumpet, violin or guitar—they learn rhythms, songs and history that root the music in tradition.

The lessons in mariachi serve multiple purposes:

👭 They give students a sense of belonging and pride.

🎹 They build instrumental skills (technique, ensemble playing, improvisation) that apply across genres.

🗣️ They encourage collaboration, stage presence and voice — useful for both singing and instrumental programs.


      Our Invitation to You

      If you’ve ever wondered what it might feel like to explore singing or instrument lessons — whether for yourself or your child — we invite you to come in and talk with us. We’ll help you:

      🥁 Pick a musical path that you are excited about (voice, guitar, trumpet, violin, etc.).

      💡 Connect with a teacher who doesn’t just teach technique — they inspire connection.

      At Canal Fulton Music, similar to Ms. Diaz-Lopez, we’re not only teaching music; we’re helping young musicians find their voice.

      Ready to explore? Learn more about lessons below.

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