[Dixielandjazz] Banjo news and question

[Dave Gravatt]

Eelazar,

Carpel tunnel may or may not be a concern but focal dystonia certainly can be. Guitar players, violinists, and pianists can suffer from it. There is also an embouchure focal dystonia that effects brass players, myself included. There is much information on the web about this affliction which affects only those faculties required to play the instrument and it is not curable. It's certainly not to say that your prospective student will acquire it but some studies show that those with carpel tunnel are somewhat more likely to acquire a focal dystonia. Good luck.

Dave
=============
Dave Gravatt
"It's a treat to beat your feet."
The Creole Dixieland Jazz Band
Springfield, Missouri
417-877-8811 (home)
417-894-8557 (cell)
http://www.CreoleJazz.com

-------Original Message------
> From: Elazar Brandt <jazzmin at actcom.net.il>
> Subject: [Dixielandjazz] Banjo news and question
> Sent: Aug 05 '05 14:51
> 
>  Shalom Jazz Fans,
>  
>  I typically watch the local message boards for anyone looking for musical
>  services that I can provide, and I write them a brief personal email note and
>  direct them to my website. The percentage of those who respond at all, much less
>  actually hire my services, is relatively small, but some do, and every now and
>  then an amusing one turns up.
>  
>  This week someone posted a notice that she is looking for a guitar teacher. I
>  don't play or teach guitar, so I usually don't bother responding, but for some
>  reason I did this time. Maybe it's because I need the work? Anyway, I made an
>  impassioned plea that she consider a more off the beaten path instrument like
>  the banjo before she inflicts yet another guitar and player on our poor world.
>  
>  Well, she wrote back and asked a few questions, and I answered, and the bottom
>  line is we have an appointment on Sunday for a trial lesson, and if she likes
>  it, she'll give the banjo a try. She could become Israel's 3rd tenor banjoist,
>  after me and my student turned partner in the Dr Jazz band.
>  
>  Anyone know where I can get a deal on a beeper?
>  
>  She did raise an interesting question, which might also apply to guitar playing.
>  Does anyone know or have any experience with carpel tunnel syndrome being caused
>  by or aggravated by playing banjo or any stringed instrument. I guess she
>  already had an operation on one hand, and is concerned about the other hand, and
>  recurring problems. I've been playing for 35 years and never heard of any such
>  thing, but I thought I'd submit the question to our venerable list.
>  
>  TIA for any information.
>  
>  Elazar
>  Doctor Jazz Dixieland Band
>  Tekiya Trumpet/Brass Ensemble
>  Jerusalem, Israel
>  <www.israel.net/ministry-of-jazz>
>  Tel: +972-2-679-2537
>  
>  
>  
>  
>  _______________________________________________
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>  
-------Original Message-------