Faculty Profile for Cirilo Campos Jr.

Biography Section

Biography and Education

Cirilo Campos joined the faculty at Texas State University School of Music in the fall of 2024, as Associate Professor and Director of Latin Music Studies. Campos directs Mariachi Nueva Generacion, teaches mariachi education courses and provides oversight of the Latin Music Studies program.
Campos’ passion for mariachi music started in his home town of San Antonio, TX. As a 6th grader, he was unable to join the school mariachi class due to his schedule, but a warm heart and Campos' ambition for the art are what kept him focused. Rolando San Miguel, Campos' mariachi teacher, made a commitment to work with him on a weekly basis, providing instruction after school in order to catch up with the rest of the class. This gesture is what drives Campos' teaching approach. Extending the hand and taking the time to help build others around you became a core concept in his practice.
Campos is a professional musician and educator, with 20 years of experience as a member of Mariachi Los Caporales and 15 years of experience as a public school teacher. He has shared the stage with many artists like Aida Cuevas, Christian Castro, Pepe Aguilar, Placido Domingo, Yolanda del Río, Beatriz Adriana and Alberto Angel "El Cuervo”. Campos has also taught alongside some of the greats, Rigoberto Alfaro, Sergio Caratachea, Pepe Martinez and many others. His passion, hard work and dedication have opened doors of opportunities for him to perform in Switzerland, Chile, Africa and Russia. Campos served as musical director for all-female group Mariachi Las Alteñas for 10 years where he arranged and produced two albums. He has had great success as an educator, maintaining a prestigious mariachi program and providing clinics and adjudicating services throughout Texas.
In the summer of 2015, Campos founded the San Antonio Mariachi Academy, a small educational business that offers musical instruction with emphasis in Mariachi music to students of all ages. Campos holds a bachelor's degree in music education from Texas State University and a master's degree in educational leadership & policy studies from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Teaching Interests

Mariachi Methods and Literature, Voice, Mariachi Arranging, Mariachi Ensemble Rehearsal Techniques

Research Interests

Equitable Education, Educational Leadership, Inequities in Education, Culture and Identity, Authentic Teaching