Daily Inspiration: Meet Joanie Calem

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanie Calem.

Hi Joanie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been a working musician since 1983. I started off teaching piano and slowly expanded into performing family shows. Over the years I have taught in both schools and private lessons, and performed for all ages. I currently lead monthly sing along sessions at Supportive Housing centers, at Rehab centers, and at senior centers. I teach music and movement at a number of local preschools, and teach adaptive general music in two different classes for high school students with special needs. I run a monthly Songwriter Showcase at a local studio for local songwriters, and perform my original music for adults a few times a month at various local listening sites.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Sometimes it’s smooth, sometimes it’s rough! I have been very lucky over the years to have had all kinds of special and meaningful opportunities seem to drop out of the sky into my lap, but there are also times when it doesn’t feel like much is happening and I can’t seem to move in the musical directions that I want to. I think that is just the life of an artist!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I intentionally use my music to build community and encourage connection with whatever age group or audience I am in front of. So a lot of the songs that I write, both for children and for adults, purposely have parts that the audience can sing along with. There is something magical about singing in community, and I am so happy that I have the chance to bring that to people who are currently experiencing a lack of magic in their lives.

I turned a few of my children’s songs into picture books, and two of the books, We Can Get Along, and You Are Welcome Here, have won awards for compassionate and inclusive messages. That was very rewarding!

I recently had an interesting experience with a granting organization: I was seeking funding to help cover the cost of a new CD that I am putting out with songs and stories of resilience, mostly for elementary and middle school aged kids, but perhaps for all ages really. I didn’t get the grant, but the panel considering my request talked about getting lost in my website and my YouTube channels and spending an hour exploring my music. They unanimously agreed that my music was entertaining and high quality, but didn’t give me the grant because the proposal was not well written…I was just thrilled to hear that they liked my music LOL.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Stubbornness! I am far from the most talented guitar player with the best voice, but I do seem to write music that touches people’s hearts, so even though I don’t always have lots of accolades and praise being tossed my way, I keep writing and performing and it seems like people do enjoy what I bring!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.joaniecalem.com
• Instagram: calemjoanie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joanie.calem
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanie-calem-34242936/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@joaniecalem
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-31444593