Ramón Rivera, recipient of prestigious recognition from the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and the Mellon Foundation Fellowship, works closely with pBone Music to ensure that equity and diversity are at the heart of music education. Through tools like the pInstrument family, he has been applauded for helping educators weave Hispanic and South American traditions into band curricula, enhancing both musical learning and community connection.
When students walk into your classroom and hear music from their culture, it sends a powerful message: you belong here. For many Puerto Rican students - and their families - the global hit “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi is more than just a pop song. It represents Puerto Rican artistry on a worldwide stage, showing that Spanish-language music can top the charts in the United States and beyond.
Why Luis Fonsi Matters in Music Education
Puerto Rican communities are a vibrant part of the cultural fabric in the U.S., especially in New York, Washington, D.C., Florida, and beyond. As Ramón Rivera reminds us, “Puerto Rico is part of the United States. So this is our music too.”
By highlighting Luis Fonsi in the classroom, you’re not just including Latin music - you’re representing American music in its full diversity. For Puerto Rican students, seeing their flag, hearing their rhythms, and learning about artists from their island is deeply affirming. For non-Puerto Rican students, it’s an opportunity to expand their understanding of American identity and music.
Making “Despacito” Accessible for the Classroom
While “Despacito” is known for its infectious reggaetón groove, it can be adapted for student ensembles at many levels. Rivera has already found ways to simplify it so students can engage meaningfully:
- Chord Progression: The song uses an easy four-chord pattern—Am – F – C – G—perfect for beginning guitarists or ukulele players.
- Rhythm Exploration: That repeating reggaetón beat can be recreated with classroom percussion or body percussion, making it highly interactive.
- Melody Play-Along: The simple, recognizable melody works well on pTrumpet, recorder, xylophone, or Boomwhackers. Rivera notes that students light up when they realize they can play along with such a famous song.
This accessibility gives you flexibility: it can be a full-class ensemble piece, a small group guitar activity, or even a rhythm lesson tied to popular culture.
“Without Relationship, there is no learning” – Ramon Rivera
Representation That Resonates
Rivera shared how Puerto Rican teachers in his workshops were thrilled to see Fonsi included. Too often, Latin music representation in schools leans heavily toward Mexican traditions. While those are important, broadening the repertoire to include Puerto Rican music ensures that all students can see themselves in the curriculum.
Even something as simple as displaying the Puerto Rican flag alongside a picture of Luis Fonsi and the lyrics to “Despacito” can create powerful connections. Students may go home and say, “My teacher likes Luis Fonsi!” - a simple statement that carries immense weight for family pride and student engagement.
Building Bridges Through Popular Music
“Despacito” is a crossover success story. Despite being sung mostly in Spanish, it became a #1 hit in the U.S., proving that music transcends language barriers. That makes it an ideal teaching tool: you can start with what students already know from radio and streaming, then guide them into discussions about rhythm, harmony, and cultural context.
Rivera puts it simply: “It’s just a great way of connecting with kids.”
Closing Thought
Including Luis Fonsi in your curriculum isn’t just about teaching a pop hit. It’s about recognizing Puerto Rican culture as part of the American story, validating your students’ identities, and showing that their music belongs in your classroom. With just four chords and a reggaetón rhythm, “Despacito” can become a joyful bridge between cultures, languages, and generations.
Watch the full Interview with Ramon Ramirez:
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