About the Music Commission

Welcome to the New Mexico Music Commission.

The commission is made up of a diverse cross-section of New Mexico citizens representing all facets of our state’s musical community; education, performance, production, recording, and support services. As is benefiting New Mexico, the commission embraces and reflects all of the musical genres that grace our state’s multicultural tableau.

Origin

The commission was initially created in April 2005 by executive order of Governor Bill Richardson. It was codified into state law in 2009 by the New Mexico Legislature under a bill introduced by Albuquerque Representative Al Park, after passing unanimously in both the House and Senate.

Music Commission Act, Sections 18-16-1 through 18-16-4 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2009, Chapter 13, Sections 1 through 4).

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.

Function

The Music Commission works throughout the state and with other state agencies, such as the Department of Tourism and the New Mexico Film Office at the Department of Economic Development, to promote the many New Mexico musical traditions spanning from the ancient melodies of New Mexico’s Native nations, tribes, and pueblos, to opera and symphony, to chart topping current hits of New Mexico residents.

The Commission is administratively attached to New Mexico Arts, a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.

Public Meetings

The Music Commission holds five public meetings per calendar year, in accordance with the State’s Open Meetings Act. The Commission’s statute requires a minimum of four public meetings per year. Public meeting dates, times, and locations are posted on the Music Commission’s events calendar. Meeting locations alternate between Santa Fe and Albuquerque and are open to the public.

Meeting Agendas

Below are links to the Music Commission’s meeting agendas:

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

Below are links to the Music Commission’s official meeting notes:

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

*Quorum must be reached at each public meeting in order for the commission to conduct business and enter meeting notes into official State record. Quorum was not reached for the months above listed in italics and, as a result, notes were not submitted into official public record for those meetings.

Executive Director Statement

Our Governor-appointed Music Commission, led by Acting Chair Melissa Sanchez from Acoma & Laguna Pueblos, is dedicated to promoting New Mexico musicians and New Mexico music, which many rightly say is the heart of the Land of Enchantment. The Music Commission celebrates all genres of music and helps connect our multi-talented musicians. Music education is critically important to our children and their future success. Our music industry is a major driver of the creative economy in New Mexico and an important tourism draw. It is fitting that the state that was instrumental in the formative era of Rock and Roll – Buddy Holly was among the musicians to record at the Norman Petty studio in Clovis – once again is front and center in the music world.

~ Loie Fecteau, Executive Director of New Mexico Arts

Learn More