Welcome to the New Mexico Music Commission.
The New Mexico Music Commission (NMMC) consists of a 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. Richardson appointed Lee Berk chair, Nancy Laflin executive director, and appropriated a commission budget of approximately $175,000, which included Ms. Laflin’s salary and benefits package. The executive order administratively attached the Commission to New Mexico Arts, the State Arts agency, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs.
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 commission’s budget and executive director position however were not included in the new law.
2012 The commission’s executive director position and budget expired at the end of Governor Richardson’s term. Because they were not required by law per the Music Commission Act, incoming Governor Susana Martinez did not renew them. The New Mexico Music Commission Foundation was created by commission chair 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.
2014 The Governor Martinez approved funding for the creation of a part-time music commission administrator position with funding allocated by the legislature.
2020 The commission remains without state funding and an executive director since 2012.
2021 Governor Lujan Grisham reappointed 1 commissioner, appointed 12 new commissioners, and appointed a chair. The commission had been without a Governor-appointed chair since November 2016.
Governor
- 2003-2011 Bill Richardson
- 2011-2019 Susana Martinez
- 2019-present Michelle Lujan Grisham
Commission Chair
- 2005-2013 Lee Berk
- 2013-2016 David Schwartz
- 2016-2017 Dan Stoddard Acting
- 2017-2020 Melissa Sanchez Acting
- 2020-present Carlos Medina
Commission Staff
- 2005-2011 Nancy Laflin, Executive Director
- 2015-present Thomas Goodrich, Administrator (part-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. Meeting locations alternate between Santa Fe and Albuquerque and are open to the public. The Commission will meet by Zoom during COVID-19 health restrictions.
Meeting Agendas
2021 January April July October
2020 February(2) May(3) August(3) November
2019 February April June(2) August November(2)
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
2021 January April July October
2020 February(2) May(3) August(3) November
2019 February(1) April(1) June(2) August(1) November(2)
2018 February April June August November(2)
2017 January March(1) May July November
2016 January March(1) May July September(1) November
2015 January(1) March May July September(1) November
(1) Commissioners were unable to conduct business due to lack of quorum. As a result, official meeting notes were not recorded.
(2) Meeting cancelled due to lack of quorum among commissioners.
(3) Meeting cancelled due to the COVID-19 health directive.
Learn More
Music CommissionersAbout the Music Commissioners The Music Commission consists of fifteen unpaid volunteers serving one to three-year terms appointed by, and renewable at, the Governor’s discretion. Commission Duties The duties of the New Mexico Music Commission, as outlined in its Statutes
Commission StaffCommission Administrator Thomas Goodrich Music Background Over 35 years’ experience in the music industry. Highlights include: Musician: San Juan Symphony; Santa Fe Symphony; New York Chamber Ensemble; Bronx Opera Orchestra; Opera Northeast; Meadowmount; Breckenridge Music Institute Conductor: Albuquerque Youth Symphony
Key ProjectsNew Mexico Music Commission Key Projects Since its inception in 2005, the Music Commission has undertaken a number of significant projects: 2021 The Commission voted to adopt a vision and goals for its new three-year strategic plan. The Music Commission
Strategic PlanNew Mexico Music Commission Strategic Plan The commission is in the research and planning stages of its new three-year strategic plan. Commissioners voted to approve the vision and goals of the new plan at their 13 April 2021 meeting. The
StatuteMusic 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