New elementary mariachi programs are springing up everywhere! A majority of these elementary programs are starting in districts that already have thriving high school and middle school mariachi programs. This move to start mariachi programs earlier supplies students with a solid foundation and unique passion before middle school starts. Teachers find a huge benefit in the increased number of students recruited and retained because they have developed a love for mariachi. Then, students who don’t continue into secondary still receive an experience they will carry with them for a lifetime.
Fractional Sized Instruments for Elementary Students
Most elementary students are not ready for a full-sized instrument. An instrument that is too large for the student can negatively impact their posture and ability to reach the notes. Therefore, the student is less likely to continue playing past elementary school. A top challenge faced by teachers of elementary mariachi programs is determining what size classical guitars to purchase to outfit their classrooms. Size selection is an especially daunting process when you have a brand new class of students each school year.
To help you make this decision, we did our research to determine which sized classical guitars will be right for your classroom based on the age and height of players.
|
Age |
Height |
Guitar size |
|
2 to 5 years old |
3’3″ to 3’9″ |
1/4-Size |
|
5 to 8 years old |
3’10” to 4’5″ |
1/2-Size |
|
8 to 12 years old |
4’6″ to 4’11” |
3/4-Size |
|
12 years old to Adult |
5′ or taller |
4/4-Size |
West Music offers a variety of guitars and price points to best suit your mariachi and classical guitar class.
Westwood Classical Guitars
Westwood CG Series is the newest upgrade to the popular Westwood Classical Guitar. Featuring spruce top with agathis back and sides, premium D’Addario strings, and a durable gig bag, you won’t find another guitar with this much value at this price.
Westwood CG-901 Full-Size Classical Guitar features:
– Spruce top with agathis back and sides has a warm, balanced tone with projections
– Rich satin finish
– D’Addario Pro-Arte strings for better tuning stability and enhanced tone
– Gig bag included
1/2-Size Westwood CG-401 Classical Guitar
Yamaha Classical Guitars
The Yamaha CGS series of classical guitars are designed for students with true Yamaha quality. Constructed with beautiful spruce tops and meranti backs, these guitars have a well-balanced tone with excellent projection. Available in 3 different sizes (1/2, 3/4, and Full), the CGS series features quality instruments that help even the youngest students grow.
1/2-Sized Yamaha CGS102A Classical Guitar
Córdoba Classical Guitars
The Protégé by Córdoba C1M Series are the perfect nylon string guitars for students of all levels and are ideal for both classroom and home. Comfortable and easy to play, it’s a great first guitar at an affordable price. Every Protégé C1M is built with a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, a comfortable slim neck profile, traditional mosaic rosette, and a matte polyurethane finish. Like all Córdoba instruments, C1M models feature premium Savarez strings and an adjustable truss rod for lifetime neck stability.
1/4-Sized Córdoba Protégé C1M Classical Guitar
We at West Music are passionate about Mariachi and we are always happy to help you along your mariachi education journey. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at service@westmusic.com.
Randy Hargis is our Education Consultant for General Music and Mariachi. He has worked in the music industry since 1977 when he began his gigging career at the young age of 15. Before coming to West Music in 2011 Randy worked as a music education consultant as well a sales manager and marketing manager for an electronic musical instrument company.
Randy is passionate about his role in helping music teachers find the right instruments and learning materials for the classroom.
