Participants:
Anyone can participate. No age restriction.
Cost and Fees
$25 for registration and 1 song entry
$25 for each additional song entry
Song
- All submissions must be the original work of the participant.
- Song must belong to the mariachi genre/Mexican regional, example:
- Rancheras
- Huapangos
- Sones
- Boleros
- Song length is preferred to be under 4 minutes.
- If you have questions about the style or genre of your song please contact Leon Camacho: leon@mariachimusic.com / (210)304-0297.
- Song can be performed with a digital track, with acoustic instruments, or with a full ensemble.
Submission
E-mail an MP3 or MP4 audio file or video file of your entry to leon@mariachimusic.com with subject line “VOCAL SUBMISSION 2022”.
You should also attach a copy of the lyrics with your name, e-mail, phone number, as well as list contributors to your song (Arranger, co-writer, producer, etc.).
FAQs
What is the purpose of the Mariachi Songwriting Competition?
The purpose of this competition is to create and promote the original works of mariachi songwriters and composers on a local, regional and national level.
What do I get if I win?
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners of the Original Songwriting Competition will receive grants and prizes. Grant amount and prizes may vary.
2021 Grants:
1st: $1000
2nd: $750
3rd: $500
What if the song is a collaborative work?
If more than one person participated in the creation of the song, please list with your submission the names of all collaborators and/or co-writers.
When is the deadline to submit an entry?
October 1st. For more info visit: Schedule page.
Who are the judges this contest?
Current or former members of Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán will judge this songwriting competition.
What is the judging criteria?
Judging criteria include melody, lyrics, mastery of songwriting technique and originality.
How is the winner selected?
Each of the songs is played in its entirety for the judges, who give each song a rating based on the above-mentioned criteria. These ratings are tabulated and discussed by the judges. Judges then choose first-, second- and third-place winners.
When will judging take place?
Judging will take place on Thursday of the week of the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza. Winners will be notified that same day. Winners will be recognized during the mariachi group and/or vocal competitions.
May I attend the judging?
The judging is open to the public. Everyone is invited to attend.
How important is the quality of the recording I submit?
The quality of the recording will not affect the results of the judging, nor will the arrangement or vocal/instrumental performances on the recording. These are not part of the judging criteria.
How many winners are chosen?
The judges will select one winner each for first, second and third place.
What are the prizes?
Winners will be recognized during the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza music festival, in press releases distributed to the media and in MPR publicity and blogs posted on mariachimusic.com.
Who maintains the rights to the song?
The author maintains all rights to the song until such time as he or she chooses to sell, transfer or forfeit those rights.
How many entries can I submit?
You can enter as many songs as you’d like. The first entry is free. Each subsequent song entry requires a $25 registration fee.
