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). A partner bill to procure a permanent budget and executive director position for the commission was not initiated.
2012 The commission’s budget and executive director position expired at the end of Governor Richardson’s term. 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 Legislature allocated funding for a part-time music commission administrator.
2020 Governor Lujan Grisham appointed 12 new commissioners, reappointed 1 commissioner, and appointed Carlos Medina as commission chair.
2021 Governor Lujan Grisham appointed the commission’s 15th commissioner, marking the first time in over a decade the music commission is fully seated.
Governor
- 2003-2011 Bill Richardson
- 2011-2019 Susana Martinez
- 2019-present Michelle Lujan Grisham
Commission Chair
- 2005-2013 Lee Berk appointed by Governor Richardson
- 2013-2016 David Schwartz appointed by Governor Martinez
- 2016-2017 Dan Stoddard Vice Chair / Acting Chair elected by commissioners
- 2017-2020 Melissa Sanchez Vice Chair / Acting Chair elected by commissioners
- 2020-present Carlos Medina appointed by Governor Lujan Grisham
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
Music Commission’s bylaws mandate commissioners hold a minimum of four public meetings per calendar year. In-person meeting locations generally alternate between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. During COVID-19 health restrictions, the commission will meet by Zoom.
Meeting Agendas
2022 January April July October
2021 January April July October
2020 February(1) May(2) August(2) November
2019 February April June(1) August November(1)
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 Minutes
2022 January April July October
2021 January April July October
2020 February(1) May(2) August(2) November
2019 February(1) April(1) June(1) August(1) November(1)
2018 February April June August November(1)
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) A quorum of commissioners was not achieved.
(2) Cancelled due to COVID-19 health orders.
Learn More
Music CommissionersAbout the Music Commissioners Music Commissioners are experts and leaders in New Mexico’s music industry. Cumulatively, they bring hundreds of years of music industry experience and expertise, spanning multiple disciplines and genres, to the table. They are unpaid volunteers serving
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 Commissioners Tracey Whitney and Buddy Abeyta, Chair of the production committee, brokered a $15,000 deal with PNM/AVANGRID to
Strategic PlanNew Mexico Music Commission Strategic Plan The commission is in the research and planning stages of its new three-year strategic plan. Mission The New Mexico Music Commission is charged by the governor and legislature through The Music Commission Act to
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