Jazz is unpredictable by nature; that’s what draws many people to it. Musicians practice meticulously to be able to navigate the ebbs and flows of the music, but nothing can prepare them for the uncertainties of life.

Jared Sachs, 20, music major, who plays in the Jazz One Big Band and the Jazz Combo Band at EC, started playing guitar at 10 years old because he was inspired by his father’s guitar playing. By age 16, Sachs was in his first real band.

“It’s all about improvising,” Sachs said. “Every time you play a song, it will turn out differently. That’s jazz. You’ve practiced so much, that when you get up there, it flows freely.”

Music had become essential to the young musician, so when playing was no longer possible, it left his life in a cacophony.

“I had to stop playing for about a year because I got carpal tunnel syndrome,” Sachs said. “I didn’t know what to think because music was every aspect of my life, and it forced me to reconsider what it means to live. I was living through music. I was dependent on it, so when it was taken from me, I didn’t know what to do with myself.”

Sachs was visibly moved while reminiscing on that difficult period.

“It’s an addiction for sure; people wouldn’t believe,” he said. “It’s like being in a relationship with someone. People would say that’s a good thing, right? But when you lose someone, it can really screw you up. So, I think we still have to do all of things we like to do, but we can’t let it destroy us. It always does anyways, but we need to learn how to deal with it because people lose things all the time.”

Sachs was forced to find happiness another way.

“I definitely reassessed my life,” he added. “I became Buddhist and it made me a happier person. I learned not to become dependent on anything to be happy.”

Sachs found a doctor to combat the carpal tunnel and said he is 90-95 percent pain-free now. He regrouped from his injury and came back stronger than ever.

“Jared practices a good six hours a day,” Chris Mello, professor of music, said. “He got accepted to the University of North Texas, which is an elite music school, a top 10 music school in this country. It has the oldest jazz degree in the country.”

Sachs’ dedication is obvious to everyone that knows him.

“He’s a hard worker, man,” Juan Rodriguez, 27, music major, said. “He had to drop out of the music program. It made him more focused. He took his time off and came back more mature and with a vengeance. He came back killing it.”

Sachs will also be playing on campus with the Jazz One Big Band on May 9. The next off-campus performance for Sachs will be at Suzy’s Bar and Grill in Hermosa Beach on May 29 where he will be opening for two metal bands. To hear Sachs’ music, visit www.soundcloud.com/jarebear63.