What We Do
New mexico community music initiative…
is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Albuquerque, NM that has been active since July 2018. Our work encompasses music classes (guitar and general music for kids/teens/adults), performances focusing on learning about ourselves and our histories through art, and research centered around community empowerment through art and pedagogy.
Our mission is to build music programs with and for kids, teens and adults in New Mexico; to organize artists and educators in order to put together performances, community dialogues, and more events in our communities; and to conduct valuable research as to further critical, empowering pedagogy.
Click here to see our current programs.
Team Members
Donovan Perea, Founder
Donovan began playing music in Albuquerque’s local metal and punk scenes. He spent four years studying classical guitar with Michael Chapdelaine and Ben Silva, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music Education at the University of New Mexico under the instruction of Dr. Robin Giebelhausen. Donovan co-founded the New Mexico Community Music Initiative with the intention of bringing accessible music education to the communities that he has spent his life as a part of.
Cyanne Garcia, Instructor
Cyanne began taking music lessons as a child at Hummingbird Music Camp in Jemez Springs, New Mexico. Beginning with guitar at age 9, she quickly developed a deep love for singing and songwriting. Currently, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Music Education with Vocal Concentration at the University of New Mexico. She has studied with Paula Corbin-Swallin for four years, and also spent a year at the University of Hertfordshire in England, where her studies focused primarily on songwriting.
Mathias rodriguez, founder
Mathias’ connection with music began with his family’s heritage of Andean music. He started studying flamenco guitar with Alejandro Pais-Iriart when he was fifteen and then later classical guitar with Michael Chapdelaine and Ben Silva. He is currently pursuing his graduate degree in Elementary Education at UNM. Mathias and his colleagues began this project with the intent of using music to build meaningful and engaging spaces that everyone can be a part of.
Estevan Pacheco, Instructor
A native of New Mexico, Estevan began playing guitar at age 15. He has studied with John Truitt, Calvin Hazen, Ricardo Anglada and Mario Febres, as well as several other guitarists who participate in the National Institute of Flamenco’s Festival Flamenco. Estevan is currently working on his Bachelor of Arts in Music at the University of New Mexico, where he has studied Jazz and Classical guitar with Michael Anthony and Ben Silva. He has performed in theaters and communities throughout New Mexico and Colorado, and will soon be featured in the recording and performances of “Canta Nuevo Mexico.”
Lucian Raine Johnson, instructor
Lucian began playing guitar in seventh grade. He has participated in ensembles that have allowed him to work with world renowned guitarists like Roland Dyens, Benjamin Verdery, Marc Teicholz, and Andrew York. Currently, he is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in both music education and guitar performance at UNM, where he has studied with Michael Chapdelaine and Ben Silva. Lucian and his colleagues are interested in researching new ways of teaching music and working together to connect with various communities through music.