Orchestra vs. Mariachi

by: Jasmin Guzman

What About Them?

Orchestra and Mariachi are both beautiful musical art forms interpreted differently through culture and etiquette. Both offer valuable insight on their general genre of music, and students or new learners may select which one to learn based on cultural connection, personal investment and learning environment.

Background Overview

In between these two close yet differing musical ensembles, orchestra has shown to be based mainly on western and euro centric identity, while mariachi is mainly based on traditional and regional Mexican identity. In orchestra, it is expected that pupils will work on classical pieces including symphonies, concertos, waltzes, suites and more of the sort, all falling under a specific style attuned to the rich history behind orchestral music beginnings. The orchestra has long focused on classical and romantic tones. The orchestra is primarily instrumental, played at auditoriums, theaters, weddings and other venues. In contrast, mariachi pupils work on different styles of regional folk music with many different styles like polka, huapango, bolero, ranchera, sones, etc. Mariachi is meant as fiesta music that is played in cantinas, party’s, and other community events. In a way Mariachi is the classical music of Mexico. This music includes a voice that is strong and proud, the instruments help to enhance that aspect.

Investments

Orchestra and Mariachi are composed of different structures and most notably different instruments. The orchestra contains violins (1,2,~3), viola, cello, bass and percussion (in larger groups). Mariachi holds violin (1,2,3), trumpet, vihuela, harp, guitar, guitarron. As a former high school orchestra and mariachi student, I’ve had the luck of being able to use a school borrowed instrument year round for $50 each year. However, if not in school, borrowing an instrument may be different. 

Depending on the specific instrument, renting an orchestral instrument can come at about $19-$150 per month. Purchasing an orchestral instrument on the lower end can go from $200-$800. For mariachi, people are able to rent an instrument for $20-$50 per month or more. Purchasing a mariachi instrument on the other hand, even if on the lower end, can be quite pricey coming at about $300- $1,000. Certain instrument brands may be cheaper than others.

 For learning, classes are typically an hour long for both orchestra and mariachi. Similarly, purchasing classes can start at $140, and lessons can cost around the same ranges as well, the full hour for both comes to $60-$100. Generally, the expectation for both of these music programs is that the student will practice at least a minimum of 1-4 hours a day. That means 7-28 hours a week of practice should be committed! While getting into one of these music programs may feel like lots of sacrifice and little gain, I assure you that if learned well enough, small and large gigs can return more than anything invested into it quite rapidly. I’ve been able to play at many different parties and earn up to $50 per hour as a violin player and mariachi ensemble player. This kind of pay out can be quite rewarding, but first students must get through the basics.

Typical Day

Both orchestra and mariachi are collaborative in nature, but are taught differently, and whether you play solo or in group, much of the technique and presentation practice applies. Orchestra like most other music departments will start by warming up, this means students spend time on practicing major, minor and chromatic, scales, intonation, tempo, shifting, vibrato, posture/form, ascending, descending and of course repetition. After the warm up session, the orchestra takes time to get into specific pieces, oftentimes starting with one that is technical, moving on to one that is symphonic and slow and then finally one that is fast-paced and exhilarating. Throughout practice, the group will go back and rehearse any areas that may seem jumbled or blurry. This practice is quite controlled and sections feel as though they layer on each other adequately. Orchestra is a larger group, we tend to get to know each other within our sectionals. It is oftentimes a very focused group and it is always gratifying when the group can work together to create a unified sound.

 Image by: HeungSoon

Mariachi also starts with warm up, but structurally, scales feel different when warm up is taking place, as mariachi supports different kinds of instruments that are not just strings. Instruments like trumpet, violin, and harp are the melody in many mariachi songs, tempo is of the rhythm section which are composed of the guitars, vihuela and guitarron. A lot of the time, going into mariachi means already having known or learning the foundational basics of music, that can come from a classical background. When practicing scales as warm up, chords are added to replicate the different style of music played, instruments are also more free to be loud and proud. Violins see more movement on the strings with the bow in mariachi than the usual orchestra violins. The voice is an added instrument to the music altogether. Pieces played in mariachi aren’t necessarily systemically ordered like orchestra, each piece of music is a song with a certain style and are most often classics within Mexican culture. After a small warm up, mariachi songs are dug into, similar to orchestra though, as the group practices songs, there is backtracking to parts of each song that need clean up, more clarity and general practice. Mariachi is a smaller group, we all get to learn and know about each other. Practice is also often quite fun as we are more free willed to be expressionate in how we present.

 

Image by:  Fotógrafo Samuel Cruz

Typical Performance

The orchestra is an ensemble that is for the most part instrumental, therefore each instrument has their respective role. Students also learn to read music, which includes counting measures, rests, understanding symbols/musical notation and knowing different keys as well as time. During performance, students will sit tall within their sectionals, dressed formally in concert color coded attire as the conductor of the group keeps count on tempo and signals to each group when and how to play as the movement progresses. The audience is full of quiet and calm spectators, there is a respectful focus that fills the room as students breathe together and immerse the audience as they are cued to play together. Sometimes the music dims and quiets in a strategic way that engages the audience, then suddenly loud but controlled sound is produced to add effect. This performance is about etiquette and skill shown through the grace of dynamic and precise actions.

 

Image by: Manuel Nägeli

For mariachi, the demeanor in which it is expected that students play, is that of tradition, males will typically have tucked in shirts, combed hair and wear pants and charros with patterns representative of heritage. Similarly, females with slicked back buns or ponytails will wear bold makeup, large hair bows, large matching earrings, and long patterned skirts as well as charros. While performing, it is typical for members to step forward with one foot more than the other and hold instruments high. Mariachi peers will usually listen to the queue of the instrument that plays a song first so that the rest may follow. The mariachi is a loud and festive group, the singing is expressive and lively sometimes even if it's sad music. The crowd will sometimes join in to sing, cheer, and dance along. This music is passionate, close and symbolic to Mexican culture, mariachi music is strongly seen as a very relevant reflection of Mexican nationality.

Image by: Josh Wilburne

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, depending on what new learners feel is more valuable to them between orchestra and mariachi, students may pick either side. If formal and structured practice with involvement of the classical arts is more appealing, orchestra may be the better choice. If fun interactive and cultural celebration sounds more captivating, getting into mariachi can be the better choice. Regardless of what sounds subjectively better both orchestra and mariachi present as unique musical experiences.

Works Cited

Instruments - Mariachi Clothing Company, https://www.mariachiclothingcompany.com/product-category/instruments/. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

Malik, Aisha. “How to Choose the Best Violin, Cello, Viola & Double Bass: Ultimate Buying Guide.” SonusGear, 25 Jan. 2026, https://sonusgear.alibaba.com/buyingguides/violin-cello-viola-double-bass

“Rentals.” Mariachi Depot, https://www.mariachidepot.com/rentals. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.