Prior to the arrival of Cortez the music of Mexico, played with rattles, drums, reed and clay flutes, and conch-shell horns, was an integral part of religious celebrations. As Christianity spread, in many areas these instruments gave way to instruments imported by the Spanish: violins, guitars and harps, brass horns, and woodwinds. The Indian and mestizo musicians not only learned to play European instruments, but also to build their own, sometimes giving them shapes and tunings of their own invention.  Music and dance were important elements of Spanish theatrical productions, enormously popular throughout the Spanish speaking world during the colonial period. The typical Spanish theatrical orchestra of the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth centuries was comprised of violins (usually two), harp and guitars (or guitar variants). It was from this group that several of the most distinctive regional ensembles of Mexico developed, including the Mariachi.  The word mariachi refers to the musicians now commonly seen in restaurants or on the street, dressed in silver studded charro outfits with wide brimmed hats. 

Guitars- A wide variety with 12, 8, 6, 5 or 4 strings.

Violin- Like the one we know today.

Mandolin

Trumpets

I have listened to an instrumental called Cielito Lindo which I found relaxing and calming.  The instrument used is a guitar.

To listen to the music click here

Spanish Eyes

Native lands

Passage to Mesoamerica