Tony Ozuna

Director of Mariachi NIU

Jose Antonio Ozuna, a fourth-generation mariachi musician, has dedicated over three and a half decades to preserving and promoting traditional mariachi music.

Ozuna's musical journey began in Tucson, Arizona, where he nurtured his passion for music. He studied under esteemed members of Mariachi Cobre during his high school years, who mentored and guided his musical evolution. He holds formal training in traditional mariachi music and specializes in authentic styles from various regions of Mexico. He recognizes the urgent need for mariachi music education programs in underserved communities and has broadened his horizons through his extensive experience as a cultural bearer in Chicago.

As a performer and educator, Ozuna has established himself as a preeminent mariachi musician in Chicago. He performs at esteemed venues like the United Center, Rosemont Theatre and Millennium Park and has also performed at various sporting teams and Hispanic and Mexican festivals.

Ozuna co-founded Mariachi Monumental De Mexico, one of Chicago's most renowned professional mariachi music ensembles. As a leading performing arts ensemble, they captivate an annual audience of over 500,000. In addition, he has dedicated over 15 years to teaching mariachi music to K-8 students. His innovative approach and commitment to excellence earned him the Teacher of the Year award in 2015 and recognition from the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation in 2019. He currently teaches mariachi music education at Jovita Idar Elementary and serves as a mariachi music rhythm instructor at the Tucson International Mariachi Conference.

Beyond the classroom, Tony leads mariachi workshops for all ages, expanding access to mariachi music and culture. He founded Mariachi Monumental de México, a renowned mariachi ensemble dedicated to preserving tradition.