Ramón Rivera, recipient of the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation Fellowship, serves as a pBone Music Educator Ambassador with a mission to expand access to inclusive music education. By introducing culturally responsive resources and using student-friendly instruments such as the pInstrument line, he has been recognized for integrating Hispanic and South American traditions into today’s band programs and strengthening bonds between schools and their communities.
When it comes to celebrating Latin American music in the classroom, few names carry as much weight as Celia Cruz. Known worldwide as the Queen of Salsa, Cruz’s career not only defined the salsa genre but also became a cultural touchstone for millions of listeners across generations. For teachers, her music - especially her iconic song La Vida es un Carnaval - offers a powerful way to connect with students, build community, and celebrate cultural heritage.
Why Celia Cruz Belongs in the Classroom
For many students, especially those from Cuban, Puerto Rican, or other Caribbean backgrounds, Celia Cruz’s music is more than entertainment - it’s part of their family story. Rivera explains: “When it comes to respect in music, she is like the queen of salsa. Students hear her songs at home with their moms, cousins, or older siblings. When a teacher recognizes that music, it’s like a big hug. The student feels seen.”
By acknowledging Celia Cruz in your classroom, you’re sending a message: your culture belongs here. That sense of hospitality helps students engage more deeply, not only in music but in the overall learning experience.
Making La Vida es un Carnaval Accessible
One of Cruz’s most beloved songs, La Vida es un Carnaval, carries a message of joy and resilience - life is a carnival, so enjoy it. It’s an uplifting theme that resonates with students of all backgrounds. Musically, it’s surprisingly accessible:
- The main progression uses only two chords, making it ideal for beginning guitarists or ukulele players.
- The melody can be taught by ear, reflecting the aural traditions of Latin American music. Students often recognize it immediately, reducing the need for painstaking rhythm breakdowns.
- Teachers can simplify rhythms for beginners - converting the swung patterns into straight eighths and quarters - so students of all levels can participate.
Rivera points out that learning by ear is key: “You just play the melody, and students pick it up. They already know it from home, so you don’t need to over-teach the rhythm.”
“Without Relationship, there is no learning” – Ramon Rivera
Expanding Beyond the Classroom
Celia Cruz’s music also works beautifully outside of a traditional classroom concert setting. Rivera shared how some teachers used his 8-bar adaption La Vida es un Carnaval for pep band arrangements. Imagine the excitement of hearing salsa rhythms at a football game - it’s fresh, culturally inclusive, and instantly recognizable.
This flexibility means you can use Cruz’s music in a variety of settings:
- Hispanic Heritage Month performances
- Pep band events to energize school spirit
- Classroom warm-ups that double as ear training
- Cross-curricular connections, discussing Cruz’s impact on Latin music history and culture.
Building Connection Through Music
Ultimately, including Celia Cruz in your classroom is not just about teaching salsa - it’s about building connections. Rivera reminds us: “When students hear music they grew up with in the classroom, it feels like a big hug.”
By teaching even a simple arrangement of La Vida es un Carnaval, you are:
- Affirming your students’ cultural backgrounds.
- Exposing all learners to the richness of Cuban music.
- Creating a joyful, shared experience that bridges school and home.
As music educators, we know that relationships are at the heart of learning. Icons like Celia Cruz give us the perfect entry point: her voice, her energy, and her message of joy open doors to deeper connections with students and their communities.
Watch the full Interview with Ramon Rivera:
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