Mariachi Ensemble Director - Adjunct Music Faculty

Salvador Gallegos has had a rich and varied musical journey in Tucson, spanning nearly 40 years. His musical roots trace back to his father, who taught him to play guitar at a young age. By 13, he was already performing with the local youth mariachi band, Los Changuitos Feos. His deep connection with mariachi music began that same year when he attended the Tucson International Mariachi Conference and quickly became enamored with the genre. At 14, Salvador’s professional music career began, performing in Tucson. He later pursued higher education in music, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music from the University of Arizona. His musical career expanded further as he performed in major cities like Las Vegas, Chicago, and Los Angeles, collaborating with various groups and recording extensively for labels like Fonavisa and Sony Productions. After returning to Tucson, Salvador formed a band with his brothers, named Los Gallegos. In addition to performing, he dedicated himself to teaching music full-time while continuing to perform occasionally with local groups and his brothers. His life in music has become a vital part of Tucson’s rich cultural scene