The mission of the New Mexico Jazz Workshop is to provide access to a higher quality of life through music education and performance. With a basis in Jazz, a uniquely American art form, the New Mexico Jazz Workshop uses music to engage, enlighten, entertain, and empower.

The New Mexico Jazz Workshop (NMJW) was formed on February 12, 1976 when a group of jazz musicians came together to begin a jazz co-operative that was free to perform anywhere. By the end of the 1970’s NMJW began bringing international jazz artists to the KiMo Theatre. The organization moved from Santa Fe to Albuquerque in August, 1979. During the 1980’s, NMJW expanded its Guest Artist series to bring more national and international artists to New Mexico while the Madrid Concert Series continued to spotlight local musicians with 4 or 5 concerts per summer. The 1990’s created more opportunity for local musicians with the Summer Music Festival which includes Saturday night Jazz Under the Stars, Friday night Salsa Under the Stars on Friday nights, and Blues Under the Stars throughout the summer. The first annual Women’s Voices, a festival of jazz, blues and gospel was held Saturday, June 12, 1993 at the Rio Grande Zoo. Salsa, Jazz and Blues Under the Stars continue to draw record numbers at the Albuquerque Museum Amphitheatre. As the organization embarks on its 46th year, NMJW continues to reach out and connect with thousands of students each year with its Roots of Jazz program, Honor Band, South Valley Band Project, Jazz Camp, Digital Technology Project, and Adult Education classes.