College Students Formed Independent Mariachi Group

Two years ago, students in Lubbock launched an independent music ensemble to perform paid gigs.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Singing

Bold vector illustration of a guitar, trumpet, and sombrero on a wooden chair, representing a student-run music ensemble. — Mariachi Akumal, an independent ensemble founded by Texas Tech students Alexandra Andrade and Francisco Vargas, performs at paid gigs while students balance university studies. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Alexandra Andrade and Francisco Vargas founded the independent music group Mariachi Akumal in 2024. The ensemble consists of college students who primarily attend Texas Tech University.

Why it matters

The founders created the group to maintain passions developed in high school while earning income for living and educational expenses. The ensemble operates independently rather than as a school-sponsored organization.

Founded two years ago, the independent group currently manages its own performance bookings and rehearsals. Members utilize a 7 to 9 at night practice schedule to accommodate their academic commitments.

The players

Alexandra Andrade

She is one of the two founders of the independent music group Mariachi Akumal.

Francisco Vargas

He co-founded Mariachi Akumal two years ago to help students pursue musical passions.

Texas Tech University

This is the university where most members of the independent mariachi ensemble are currently enrolled.

Mariachi Akumal

This independent music group is comprised of college students based in Lubbock.

The details

Members of Mariachi Akumal learn traditional music by ear and collaborate with other local mariachi performers for paid gigs. The group balances these professional commitments with their ongoing university studies.

Mariachi Akumal was founded in 2024.
The group holds rehearsals from 7 to 9 at night.

Culture Shift

The formation of Mariachi Akumal reflects the rise of gig-economy participation among college students who seek flexible revenue streams. This approach mirrors a broader societal shift toward independent creative entrepreneurship as a means to offset rising educational costs.

Residents in Lubbock can hire the group for private events to support local student musicians. The availability of the group is determined by the academic schedules of the members, who rehearse during evening hours.

The takeaway

Students looking to balance academics with creative income can successfully build independent organizations outside of institutional frameworks. Pursuing musical projects by ear allows performers to remain flexible while developing professional skills.