UTSA Welcomes Tejano Star Shelly Lares as Artist-in-Residence to Elevate Contemporary Music

San Antonio, TX – The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has made a remarkable move in its pursuit of becoming a hub for contemporary music by selecting the renowned Tejano singer-songwriter Shelly Lares as its artist-in-residence for the 2023-2024 term. This exciting development marks a significant step in UTSA School of Music’s ongoing efforts to establish itself as a world-class center for education, research, and training, with a strong focus on contemporary music.

Shelly Lares, whose illustrious career spans over four decades and boasts an impressive 25 albums, is an enduring figure in the Tejano music genre. Hailing from San Antonio, she is celebrated worldwide for her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence.

In her role as UTSA’s artist-in-residence, Lares will share her expertise by lecturing in music technology classes, imparting innovative recording and editing techniques to students. Additionally, she will provide coaching to UTSA vocal students, including the university’s mariachi ensemble, to enhance their Tejano-style musical abilities. Simultaneously, she will collaborate with UTSA to shape programming aimed at nurturing world-class musicians in contemporary Latin styles.

“I am extremely honored to be the artist-in-residence for such a prestigious university,” shared Lares. “I am excited to be part of the growth of the music program, especially to share my 40 years of experience with aspiring musicians, artists, songwriters, and music producers and to be able to teach from the true hard knocks of the music industry. It is important to me to make sure my culture of Tejano music continues to grow and thrive for the next generation.”

Glenn Martinez, the dean of the UTSA College of Liberal and Fine Arts, emphasized UTSA’s commitment to advancing the arts and highlighted the significance of San Antonio as an ideal location to train and empower the next generation of Latin artists. He expressed his excitement about welcoming Shelly Lares to the faculty and the institution’s eagerness to collaborate with her in creating a dynamic and innovative environment that will attract Tejano musicians from across the nation while preserving the rich tradition of Tejano music.

Shelly Lares, often referred to as “Little Miss Dynamite” for her multifaceted talents, embarked on her professional music journey at the young age of 10, recording music with Orquestra (The Hot Tamales band). This experience introduced her to Tejano music and laid the foundation for her remarkable career. In the same year, she crossed paths with the then up-and-coming Tejano vocalist Selena Quintanilla-Perez, forming a deep friendship.

During her four-year tenure with Orquestra, Lares recorded 45 records before embarking on her solo career under Manny Guerra’s guidance. Her fifth album, “Quiero Ser Tu Amante” (1994), marked a breakthrough, landing on the Latin Album Top 40. Her hit single, “Soy Tu Amor,” co-written with JJ Reyes, became the most frequently played Latin song of 1994.

Following her collaboration with Sony, Lares released her self-titled album in 1996, reaching 35th place on the Top Latin Albums chart. Her single, “Siempre Lo Esperare,” reached No. 18 on the Regional Mexican Songs chart. Lares continued her musical journey into the 2000s, creating “Mil Besos,” her final album for Sony, which saw her recording alongside country superstar Vince Gill in Nashville.

In the 2000s, Lares also embarked on her journey with Tejas Records, releasing the album “3 Veces,” which garnered significant regional airplay and sales. Her subsequent album, “Encore,” allowed her to re-record her earliest hits using digital technology.

Today, Lares operates her personal label, Shellshock Records 3, where she oversees recording, manufacturing, distribution, and sales. She is also actively scouting and signing new talent for her label.

José Rosario, former vice president of Sony Music Regional Mexican and Tejano Divisions and current President/CEO of Latin Grove News, hailed Lares’ entrance into the UTSA School of Music program as artist-in-residence, considering it an exciting and innovative development. He noted that UTSA students would gain invaluable insights into the world of music and the music business through Lares’ artistry, inspiration, and real-life experience as a music superstar.

Lares is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including Tejano Music Awards, Pura Vida Awards, Cyber Awards, My Tejano Awards, and three Grammy nominations. She has received the Premios Tejano Mundial award from the Tejano Music Recording Academy in recognition of her lifetime achievements. In 2023, she was honored with the Legacy Award by the Human Rights Campaign.

The UTSA School of Music, established in 2022, is on a mission to become one of the nation’s premier music schools. The school offers academic programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, as well as master’s certificates in instrumental performance and music pedagogy. Graduates of the school have gone on to teach in public schools and universities, attend prestigious graduate schools, conduct professional ensembles, perform in major orchestras, produce television programs, and win prestigious performance competitions.

Shelly Lares’ role as artist-in-residence is set to enrich the educational experience at UTSA School of Music and pave the way for aspiring musicians to excel in the world of contemporary music.