Business Details
9 Years
experience
Jazz Concerts for Senior & Healthcare Institutions
Founded in 2017, Special Audiences and Musicians (SAM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing live jazz performances to underserved communities while creating opportunities for underrepresented musicians. Our mission focuses on three key groups: musicians with disabilities, senior jazz artists, and women in jazz. Through concerts at nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living facilities, we leverage music's therapeutic benefits to enhance emotional well-being and social connection. Our ensemble, the SAM Sextet, features talented musicians like pianist Sam Baum and guitarist Noe Socha, who have overcome significant physical challenges to pursue their art.We've received recognition through grants from the New York State Council on the Arts and the Daniels Music Foundation, underscoring our commitment to social justice in music. With two critically acclaimed albums showcasing original jazz compositions, we combine artistic excellence with community impact. Our work has been praised by prominent jazz figures like David Amram and Fred Hersch for its healing power and inclusivity. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we rely on donations and partnerships to continue bridging gaps in musical access and representation.
Services
Jazz Concerts
Music Therapy
Senior Institution Performances
Disability Support Programs
Women in Jazz Initiatives
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- We create performance opportunities for musicians with disabilities
- Our concerts provide therapeutic benefits to senior audiences
- We support women and senior musicians in jazz
- Recipient of NYSCA arts grants for community impact
- Featured on critically acclaimed jazz recordings
Associations and certifications
- New York State Council on the Arts
- Daniels Music Foundation
What people say
Healing force
Shared humanity
Life-changing work
Therapeutic effect
Win/win organization
Services
Jazz Concerts
We deliver live jazz performances to senior care facilities and healthcare institutions. Our concerts feature original compositions by musicians like Sam Baum, creating therapeutic experiences for audiences. The SAM Sextet combines traditional jazz elements with contemporary arrangements to engage listeners.
Music Therapy
Our performances provide emotional and social benefits through music. Scientific research supports our approach to using live jazz for therapeutic purposes. We focus on creating meaningful connections between musicians and audiences in institutional settings.
Disability Support Programs
We create performance opportunities for musicians with disabilities. Our ensemble includes artists like Noe Socha and David Segal who have overcome physical challenges. We promote accessibility and representation in the jazz community through these programs.
Senior Institution Performances
We specialize in concerts for nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Our performances cater to senior audiences' musical preferences. We help maintain cultural connections and provide emotional enrichment through regular institutional visits.
Women in Jazz Initiatives
We actively promote female jazz musicians through performance opportunities. Our programs address historical underrepresentation in jazz. We support women's artistic development and visibility in the music industry through targeted initiatives.
People
Jeffrey J. Nussbaum
Founder & Trumpeter
Trumpeter and founder of Special Audiences and Musicians. Former special education teacher with 33 years of experience. Also founded the Historic Brass Society and performs on early brass instruments.
Joan Feigenbaum
Board Member
Computer science professor at Yale University. Provides strategic guidance to the organization. Contributes expertise in organizational development and academic partnerships.
Sorange Zaccone
Employment Counselor
Spanish-speaking employment and training counselor. Specializes in working with autistic individuals. Offers vocational support to musicians with disabilities.
Bill Kirchner
Advisory Board
Jazz historian and Grammy-nominated producer. Teaches jazz history at The New School. Provides artistic direction and industry connections to the organization.
Jimmy Owens
Advisory Board
Renowned jazz trumpeter with experience performing alongside legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Count Basie. Offers musical mentorship and industry expertise to emerging artists.
Questions
What type of music does SAM perform?
We specialize in jazz performances featuring original compositions by our musicians.
Where do you perform concerts?
We perform in nursing homes, hospitals, and senior care facilities across New York and the Tri-State area.
How can musicians join SAM?
Musicians with disabilities, senior artists, and women in jazz can apply through our website.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes, as a 501(c)(3) organization, all donations are tax-deductible.
How are your musicians selected?
We prioritize musicians from underrepresented groups who demonstrate both talent and commitment.
Can I request a specific performance?
Institutional partners can coordinate concert details through our booking contact.
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