The US National Endowment for the Arts has released the results from a survey entitled 'Changing the Beat: A Study of the Work Life of Jazz Musicians.' The survey, produced by the NEA in conjunction with the Research Center for Arts and Culture and the San Francisco Study Center, contains results from about 2,700 jazz musicians located in New York, Detroit, San Francisco and New Orleans. The results suggested that although jazz musicians tend to be male, middle-aged and well educated, they make less money than the national average, given their level of education, and many lack retirement and health benefits. Deputy Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, A B Spellman, said that the survey results would provide the endowment with a clearer picture of the working life of jazz artists. 'With this detailed information, the Arts Endowment and other funders can develop programs that better address the concerns and challenges jazz musicians face,' he commented. Among the suggestions provided by survey respondents in regard to improving the ability of musicians in the jazz field, access to medical care, pensions and emergency relief funds registered highly. Respondents also asked for an increase in funding from foundations and the NEA, in order to support recordings, performances and concept development. Standardised club fees, tax breaks for providing free public performances and more internet-based resources for jazz musicians were also requested. For more information on the National Endowment for the Arts, visit: www.arts.endow.gov