Laura Eberhardt

Laura was born and raised in Albuquerque, and graduated from UNM with a degree in Music Education. She has been teaching for thirteen years, six years in Santa Fe and the last seven in Cimarron, where she leads an exemplary band program. Her students consistently excel in state competitions. Her honors and accomplishments are many, beginning with the NM New and Emerging Music Educator of the Year, and most recently she was named the 2023 NM Music Educator of the Year. She has been featured in the Teaching Music Magazine, served as the NMMEA Band Vice-President, and is the current NMMEA President. Laura is a recipient of the 2025 Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching Award.

In the Music in Our Schools Program, Laura is responsible for the complicated task of scheduling the Young Artists into the schools around northern New Mexico during our August Festival. Additionally, she plans and collaborates with New Mexico universities to bring their top students to the classrooms again for fall and spring residencies. In our recent spring residency, one of the young students remarked “This is the best day of my life!” He is considering pursuing music as a career choice. By sharing her skills and talents, Laura has enriched our Music from Angel Fire program and family. To top it off, she is kind and fun, and we love her!