The Mariachi arpa (harp) is a versatile instrument. The harpist uses his left hand to play the base line while his right plays the melody or harmonic accompaniment. Traditionally, the arpa was a key instrument in mariachi ensembles of rural Mexico but when mariachi music became urbanized in the early twentieth century the arpa began to be replaced by the guitarrón, which was more adaptable to changes in the music.
Today, while some of the most recognized mariachi ensembles include an arpero, or harpist, there are relatively few skilled practitioners of this art form in Mexico or the United States. Juan Morales, arpero for Los Camperos de Nati Cano, is one of the best. Following a family tradition, Juan began playing the arpa when he was 12 years old. He studied with Arturo Mendoza, arpero for the renowned Mariachi Vargas. His apprentice, Tim Mireles, also comes from a family of arperos.
Though he always wanted to learn to play the arpa, Mireles’s parents could not afford the instrument when he was a child so he learned to play the armonia (harmony) instruments which include vihuela and guitar. Mireles is a skilled performer and teacher of mariachi music and now he will have the chance to learn the arpa and teach it to others.
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