Introduction to the JazzCentral website:
After use-related injuries to my hands a few years ago, I consulted with the only person I could think of, a local hand surgeon. Somehow, fortunately, I declined his advice (remove a nerve), and looked around for other help. When I googled the problem, I got only out-of-state resources. Eventually, after quite a bit of work, I was able to find practitioners who could help me,
first in New York, then locally.
In the midst of all this, it seemed it shouldn’t be that hard to get the help you need.
And so, I began thinking of gathering info about health needs particular to musicians, and putting together a website that players could use to access that information. One thing led to another, of course, and the idea grew. Now it's about musicians finding the help they need/or whatever they might want, when they need it - and you can see it has grown quite a bit.
Please take a minute to look over the pages of JazzCentral. Then, if you have resources in mind that might be useful to include in the health, or any other area, or if you have an idea that’s not yet covered here that fits the general purpose, please forward the information to me.
Incidentally, this is a not-for-profit venture. Should any revenue gather, it would go into the project for expenses. Note also, that commercial participants (stores, health practitioners) will be asked to provide a financial break to anyone who comes to them via the website.
Keep swingin', and remember what Charlie Parker said - "You're never more than a half-step away from a right note!"
Lou Levin, Ph.D.
We here in Santa Fe have a wonderful array of resources for the jazz aficionado.
There are several venues that regularly provide live jazz, there are many capable teachers for those who wish to learn to play jazz, and there are several places to buy instruments, music,
and supplies for the jazz musician. It also turns out that we have a variety of health specialists who
specifically support the musical endeavor, dealing with physical injuries related to playing music, performance problems, or other aspects of musical experience.
And then, there are quite a few local websites published by individuals supporting both their own products and the jazz scene in general-  jazzsantafe.com, for example, keeps an up-to-date listing of
who’s playing where, and of information about local musicians.
Unfortunately, general awareness of these resources is spread thin, and the answer to the question, “Who do I go to if ….” is sometimes pretty difficult to answer.
The JazzCentral Project is an attempt to help in linking these resources and in facilitating access to them by those who may have need for them. It has three components: (1) listing of new information that isn’t currently compiled on any other site, such as information about health practitioners and their musician-related specialties, (2), links to existing jazz-related websites such as jazzsantafe.com, music store websites, etc., and (3) A forum dedicated to questions and/or comments about jazz playing, performance, equipment, etc.
Once the information is compiled on the website, knowledge about the project will be disseminated in several ways:
On air, through the many radio shows that play jazz in and around Santa Fe, such as  KSFR,
Through e-brochures, spread to the participants in the project, so that they have a comprehensive resource for answering “Who do I go to if ….,” when their own students, clients, etc., ask them.
Through dissemination of the brochure to programs such as  NDI, the adult and youth jazz orchestras, etc.
As a beginning step, the following areas are being explored for potential listing in the project: (Please be patient, some are still incomplete as we are in development, and some will continue to change as we gain and add new information):
Resources
Health Resources:
Where Can I find what I need for my health?
- Listing of health practitioners specializing in treating musicians who’ve suffered physical injury from playing their instrument, or that relates to playing an instrument
- Listing of other specialists whose work contributes to the well-being and performance of musicians
- Listing of health aids that other musicians have found useful.
Jazz Study:
Where Do I Study Jazz?
- Candyman Strings and Things
- Santa Fe Piano and Music
- Mike’s Music Center
- High Desert Guitars
- (Other Music stores that provide instruction)
- Non-affiliated private instructors
- Jazz History -
Lenny Tishler
- Northern Community College
Jazz Resources:
How do I find out who’s playing and where?
- Link to jazzsantafe.com, weekly listing of jazz performances in and around Santa Fe.
Where Do I Find Gear?
- Candyman Strings and Things
- Santa Fe Music and Piano
- High Desert Guitars
- Mike’s Music Center
Where can I play if I’m not a full-time pro?
- Listing of current jam sessions, open mikes, etc.
- Running list of people who want to get together with other players to jam
- Santa Fe Jazz Ensemble - Classes led by experienced teaching musicians for musicians wanting to enhance their understanding of and performance in jazz ensembles.
|
