School for the Arts

LCMAC is the only community resource providing arts training for youth and adults who are working professionally in vernacular and popular Mexican musical styles.

We provide 36 classes weekly in music, dance, and arts and crafts in a variety of regional Mexican and Latin styles. We also offer very low cost private lessons in a variety of instruments.

200 students weekly, from 4 years to adult, attend our courses. We provide a safe, stimulating environment where children are given an opportunity to learn and explore.

Los Cenzontles immerses students into ensemble playing as soon as possible. This helps the children put music into an environment where they learn from instructors as well as each other. It is also a lot of fun.

The ensembles are given plenty of opportunities to perform at LCMAC's many events, motivating students to practice and better hone their skills.

The ultimate goal for many Los Cenzontles students is to become a member of the touring group and to be given the opportunity to play in major festivals across the country and in Mexico.

High student expectation is another hallmark of Los Cenzontles' program. Blending solid technical training with a social approach to rehearsing is our highest priority.

Los Cenzontles is proud of the impact that it has had on raising the technical level of many young musicians who now play professionally in the Bay Area.

Los Cenzontles is structured to provide students with incentives to grow within the program. This is one of the reasons that many of our students move on to careers in music, in and outside of the program.

Students who excel are given opportunities to climb the 'ladder' at LCMAC. Older students who have excelled in their particular talent (i.e. dance, voice) are trained to teach younger children. This gives the student mentors valuable insight into their art form, as well as incentive, and gives the younger children a fresh and engaging learning environment.

Youth mentors serve as arts instructors, choreographer, and assistant musical director; and provide peer counseling and administrative assistance.

Los Cenzontles provides lecture demonstrations and teacher training at scores of schools and community organizations throughout the nation. Outreach includes screenings of its award winning documentary series and performances by Los Cenzontles Touring Group.

Mexican culture has mestizo, or multi-cultural roots. Los Cenzontles welcomes people of all ethnicities and backgrounds to participate and enjoy our program. The majority of LCMAC students are of Latino origin, however we welcome and serve children and adults of all backgrounds.

© Los Cenzontles Mexican Arts Center