Continued...
In 1989, Leslie founded a school to teach inner city youths how to play instruments, read music, the art of performance, improvisation and life skills through Jazz. He called it the Jazz Institute of New Jersey! His second goal for the school was to keep he legacy of the music of jazz alive. The Institute’s goals were to interest youths in their heritage by providing free concerts throughout New Jersey elementary, middle and high schools, colleges, universities, and other organizations, including correctional facilities. The program taught young people that success did not mean that they become the next Michael Jackson or Miles Davis. It meant personal success. He had tapped into and developed the talents of these young people, by encouraging self-esteem, creativity, and individuality.
During the twenty-one years the Institute was in operation, thousands of students passed through their doors. Some students went on to become musicians and others used the knowledge to become successful in their chosen careers. Mr. Ford still conducts workshops in the public schools. His work with the Jazz Institute led to him receiving the WOR-TV Channel 9, “A + FOR KIDS’ award and the ACCENT ON NEW JERSEY award, FOR TKR CABLE CHANNEL.” Elected officials including the Hon. Former Mayor Jim Cahill, New Brunswick and former State Senator Bill Bradley, have awarded the program for its many successes with youths.
Having been forced to learn grant writing, administration and public relations to operate the Jazz Institute, Leslie now wanted to learn more about the for profit side of the music industry. Due to the success of the Jazz Institute and his known quest to gain more business knowledge, he was invited to become a Fellow with the John J. Heldrich Institute for Leadership Development in New Brunswick, NJ where attended classes for three months, Upon completing the program he was awarded a certificate of accomplishment. He also attended the International Business Institute, Global program in Los Angeles, California. Still looking for answers, Leslie buried himself in the book, “This Business of Music” which led to him forming his own company, Leslie Ford and Group, LLC and performing more scientifically.
Instead of chasing club dates, he learned how to work the corporate circuit, making more money with a manageable schedule. Early on he earned certification as a lock-smith and worked at Rutgers University in both Newark and New Brunswick to support his family. He realized that most musicians in particular and artists in general knew very little about finances. This led to him getting an insurance license and he is presently working on getting his securities license ( Series 6, 63 & 65) with the goal of helping artists become financially literate.
In 2008 he ran into Hisani DuBose whose musical he had worked with years ago. In this filmmaker he found a kindred spirit who was not only an artist but also interested in educating other artists about the business side of their industries. Together they formed a partnership, Four Way Vision Productions, LLP as a vehicle to distribute their projects. In 2012 they launched the Mox-E Channel (www.themoxechannel.com) on the internet. Mr. Ford manages the company’s finances and music production. He was interviewed in the book, “Do I Have to be a Starving Artist in the 21st Century,” written by Ms. DuBose. He was also a contributor to the book, “Chicken Soup for the African American Woman’s Soul. His contribution was entitled “A Gift From Above.” He is still an active Jazz musician, keeping the music alive!
