The New Mexico Federal Music Project: Embodying the Regional Spirit of Roosevelt's New Deal

During the Great Depression the federal government created several federally-funded programs to help employ out-of-work Americans. One of these programs was the Federal Music Project (FMP). The Federal Music Project was represented in every state, and the New Mexico FMP was directed by Helen Chandler Ryan from 1 January 1936 until the project's close in 1943. Although most states' Federal Music Projects funded classically-trained musicians to play in symphony orchestras, Ryan realized that musicians in New Mexico were different from those in most other states. Most New Mexico musicians were not trained in Western "art" music, but had significant experience with local folk music and traditions. Ryan recognized the cultural significance of these musicians, and under her direction, one of the project's goals was to document the Hispanic American folk music traditions in New Mexico. Other goals included providing music instruction to low income children, and supporting performances of local folk music.