Welcome to the New Mexico Music Commission.
The New Mexico Music Commission (NMMC) is made up of a diverse cross-section of New Mexico citizens representing all facets of our state’s unique and diverse music industry. As is befitting of New Mexico, the commission embraces and reflects all musical genres gracing our state’s multicultural tableau.
History
2005 The New Mexico Music Commission was created by executive order of Governor Bill Richardson (Governor of New Mexico 2003-2011). Richardson appointed Lee Berk chair, Nancy Laflin executive director, and appropriated a commission budget of approximately $175,000.
2009 The commission was codified into state law by the New Mexico legislature under a bill introduced by Albuquerque Representative Al Park, after passing unanimously in both the House and Senate. Known as the Music Commission Act (Sections 18-16-1 through 18-16-4 NMSA 1978, being Laws 2009, Chapter 13, Sections 1 through 4). The legislature administratively attached the Commission to New Mexico Arts, the State Arts agency and a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs.
2012 The commission’s executive director position and budget were eliminated. The New Mexico Music Commission Foundation was created by Lee Berk and David Schwartz (the foundation’s inaugural president) to garner private sector support for commission initiatives in an effort to offset the loss of state funding.
2015 Governor Martinez approved the creation of a half time commission administrator position with funding allocated by the legislature.
2019 The commission remains without state funding and an executive director since 2011 and has functioned without a governor-appointed chair since 2016.
Commission Chair
- 2005-2013 Lee Berk
- 2013-2016 David Schwartz
- 2016-2017 Dan Stoddard, Acting Chair
- 2017-present Melissa Sanchez, Acting Chair
Note: As per the Music Commission Act, the commission chair is appointed by the governor. In the absence of a governor-appointed chair, the vice chair, as selected by commissioners, serves as acting chair.
Commission Staff
- 2005-2011 Nancy Laflin, Executive Director
- 2015-present Thomas Goodrich, Administrator (half-time)
Mission
To protect, promote, and preserve the musical traditions of New Mexico, to foster appreciation of the value of music, and to encourage the educational, creative and professional musical activities of the residents of New Mexico.
Public Meetings
The Commission’s statute requires a minimum of four public meetings per year. Public meeting dates, times, and locations are posted on the commission’s events calendar. Meeting locations alternate between Santa Fe and Albuquerque and are open to the public.
Meeting Agendas
2020 February May August November
2019 February April June# August November#
2018 February April June August November
2017 January March May July November
2016 January March May July September November
2015 January March May July September November
Meeting Notes
2020 February May August November
2019 February* April* June# August November#
2018 February April June August November
2017 January March* May July November
2016 January March* May July September* November
2015 January* March May July September* November
*Notes were not submitted into official public record because commissioners’ did not achieve a quorum and were unable to conduct official business.
#This meeting was cancelled.
Learn More
Music CommissionersAbout the Music Commissioners As of November 2019, there are seven active music commissioners and one half-time administrator. Commissioners are unpaid volunteers serving three-year terms appointed by and renewable at the Governor’s discretion. Pictured here (left to right): Thomas Goodrich
Commission StaffThomas Goodrich, Music Commission Administrator (half-time) Education BME, Music Education Ohio State University MM, Viola Performance Mannes School of Music Music Background Over thirty years experience in the music industry. Highlights include: Educator Classroom Instruction Albuquerque Public Schools (La Cueva
ProjectsNew Mexico Music Commission Key Projects Since its inception in 2005, the Music Commission has undertaken a number of significant projects: 2019 Launch of the third annual Platinum Music Awards. Nominations were accepted from the public February 1 to March
Strategic PlanNew Mexico Music Commission Strategic Plan The commission’s strategic plan expired December 31, 2018. Commissioners elected to table developing a new plan until the commission is fully staffed at fifteen members (nine seats remain open as of December 2019) and
StatutesMusic Commission Act 18-16-1. Short title. This act may be cited as the “Music Commission Act”. History: Laws 2009, ch. 13, § 1. 18-16-2. Definitions. As used in the Music Commission Act: “commission” means the music commission; “department” means the- BylawsNew Mexico Music Commission Bylaws and Rules of Procedure These Bylaws and Rules of Procedure are promulgated and adopted in accordance with the power and authority of the New Mexico Music Commission as provided by 2011 NMSA 1978 18-16-1 through