David Gill
June 21, 2023 at 9:00:00 PM
David Gill, a highly skilled violinist and devoted educator, was born and raised in Tucson,
Arizona. With a passion for mariachi music, he embarked on a remarkable musical journey that
has spanned decades.
David's teaching prowess extends beyond his local community. He has had the privilege of
leading workshops at the University of Colorado, sharing his expertise and inspiring aspiring
musicians. These workshops at the University of Colorado have provided a platform for David to
impart his knowledge and ignite a deep appreciation for the beauty and intricacies of mariachi
music among his students.
In addition to his teaching at the University of Colorado, David has made significant
contributions to the prestigious Tucson International Mariachi Conference. He has had the honor
of teaching alongside world-renowned mariachi musicians such as Mariachi Vargas de
Tecalitlan, Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández, Mariachi Los Camperos, and Mariachi
Nuevo Tecalitlan. These experiences have allowed David to enrich the musical knowledge of his
students and foster a deep appreciation for the rich mariachi tradition.
Furthermore, David has served as a guest teacher in Chicago for several mariachi camps,
where he has shared his expertise and passion with aspiring musicians from different regions.
His dedication to educating and inspiring young talents extends beyond workshops and camps.
From 2016 to 2018, David held the position of violin instructor for the Chacala, Nayarit Mariachi
Institute. During this time, he nurtured the musical growth of his students, imparting his
knowledge and skills to help them develop into accomplished mariachi musicians.
In 2019, David had the opportunity to further enhance his musical abilities by attending the
prestigious Dorothy DeLay Symposium at the Juilliard School of Music. He has also had the
privilege of studying under the world-renowned concertmaster, Steven Staryk. These
experiences allowed David to refine his skills, broaden his musical perspectives, and gain
valuable insights from some of the industry's foremost experts.
Even during the challenging times of the pandemic, David remained resolute in his commitment
to music and his students. He adapted to the circumstances by continuing to teach online and
providing private lessons, ensuring that his students could continue their musical education and
growth despite the limitations imposed by the global crisis.
David's dedication and exceptional talent have not gone unnoticed. During this period, he
received the esteemed Master Apprentice Award from the Southwest Folklife Alliance, a
recognition supported by the National Endowment of the Arts. This prestigious honor serves as
a testament to David's outstanding contributions to the preservation and promotion of mariachi
music.
David Gill's unwavering commitment to his craft, his passion for teaching, and his remarkable
musical achievements have established him as a respected figure in the mariachi community.
Through his work, he continues to inspire and uplift aspiring musicians, while preserving and
celebrating the rich cultural heritage of mariachi music.
