Vocal Competition

The Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza National Vocal Competition is a traditional mariachi vocal competition for elementary, middle school, high school and college/university students. It is the largest and most competitive mariachi vocal competition in the world, and the only one of its kind judged by members of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. Judging criteria include vocal quality, diction, intonation, phrasing and interpretation.

Students must submit a recording to audition for the preliminary phase of this competition. Submitted recordings are reviewed by a panel of judges. Approximately 40 finalists are selected from these and announced on mariachimusic.com by 10 a.m. on Nov. 1. The competition is open to the public. Tickets may be purchased on the day of the event at the theater entrance.

Individual/Vocal RegistrationFee InformationVocal Finalists
Rules and Regulations for All ParticipantsNational Vocal Competition Rules and RegulationsNational Vocal Competition Helpful Hints

Rules and Regulations for All Participants

  • Registration opens September 1st.
  • All participants must be registered for the conference.
  • Registration fee is non-refundable and registration cannot be canceled after the late registration deadline.
  • Student participants must be in good academic standing and be no more than 27 years old.
  • Registrants are allowed entry into all events listed on the schedule of events page, except for the event at JazzTX and the Mariachi Vargas concert. Tickets for the JazzTX event may be purchased at www.jazztx.com. Tickets for the Mariachi Vargas concert may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.
  • A live drawing on the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza Facebook page will determine the order of competition. Please check the schedule of events for the date of drawing.

National Vocal Competition Rules and Regulations

  • Students must submit an entry with one complete song under four (4:00) minutes in length by October 1. Popurrís or medleys are not permitted.
    ONLY video submissions will be accepted. This helps to alleviate the cost associated with having to go into a recording studio to record vocal submissions, and is also meant to simplify the process.
  • Please upload your video submission to YouTube and forward the link to debra@mariachimusic.com.
    • Include the following information with your email: name of the student, name of the song, contact name with phone number and email address for the student, parent and director
  • Submissions must be recorded using a live or pre-recorded guitar or mariachi group accompaniment. Entries submitted with keyboards, synthesized instruments, computer-generated music, or other non-traditional mariachi accompaniment will be disqualified.
  • ALL vocal registration FEES are DUE BY OCTOBER 23 unless registering with a mariachi group. No refunds will be given.
  • Finalists may be randomly selected to introduce their song, talk about its meaning in English and how he or she personally relates to it.
  • Finalists selected may compete with a prerecorded mariachi track (pista), or with a live mariachi group that is registered in the Extravaganza.
  • All finalists must compete with the same song that they submitted for the audition.
  • Finalists should send in one short paragraph (up to 50 words) describing what their song is about.
  • Finalists selected may compete with added ballet folklórico accompaniment. The ballet folklórico MUST be registered as part of the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza workshops and the song must lend itself to this kind of dance.

National Vocal Competition Helpful Hints

  • Plan, prepare and practice well in advance of the competition!
    Participants are strongly encouraged to select songs appropriate for their age and gender.
  • Choose a selection you would consider to be one of your “signature songs.”
  • Video submissions must be clear and close up. Below are a couple of examples on videos where the voice can be clearly heard and the face can be clearly seen:
  • Videotape yourself several times and submit your strongest entry.
  • Make sure that while recording your video submission there are NO distracting noises in the background. It’s important that your voice is heard clearly on the recording.
  • If utilizing a ballet folklórico, the choreography should revolve around the vocalist. The primary focus of the performance should be on the vocalist.
  • The singer will be responsible for how the overall performance will look at their presentation and should be comfortable with all other performers onstage.
  • It is important to know that any live mariachi or ballet folklórico are accessories to the vocal finalist. Judges will select winners based on their VOCAL skills, NOT their accessories.