Jeannika

Music:

Member Since: 1/27/2007
Band Website: jeannika.com
Band Members:

Jeannika:
Jeanne Barkemeijer de Wit:

Influences: Last year at this time (2006) I was mostly bed ridden, barely able to walk, couldn’t lift my arms above my head … let alone play the piano. My heart rate was erratic and rapid, my body bloated almost beyond recognition. I was so sick that I’d lost all hope of ever again having anything resembling a normal life.

I was told I’d need an intra cardiac pacemaker / defibrillator (WRONG), I was told I could die without one (again WRONG), I was told I’d AWAYS be sick (really WRONG).
Fast forward a year later. I’m walking again … the first time in 17 years … without the aid of a cane or walker. I’m playing piano again. I’m composing again … for the first time in I don’t know how long.
My life is a gift:
I am grateful for all I have:

I've been making music or other sorts of noises, since age 3, when my parents purchased a cheap Magnus Cord Organ.

I must have shown promise, because my mom eventually purchased a wonderfully large upright grand piano she found at a Salvation Army thrift store. I've been hooked on piano ever since.
I’ve also been drawing since I was old enough to hold a pencil. By age 7, my art work was being exhibited in various galleries. I joined my first art league at age 11.
At age five, I started piano lessons, violin at 7, taught myself how to play the guitar at 9, and began playing the viola at 13. I composed my first song at age 11. I studied voice with Jack Coleman off and on from about age 10 through 18.
Growing up I had wanted to make either art or music my profession. Unfortunately art and music was looked down upon as an avocation … and my mom quickly nixed that idea in the bud. My mom told me a college education was wasted on women, that I’d have kids and never get a chance to use what I learned. In my family you NEVER disagreed with mom. So I put my dreams aside.
While I never stopped playing, I more or less gave up on the idea of an artistic or musical career, and concentrated on other things. At age 21, after a failed marriage, I finally entered college to study respiratory therapy. I worked in the medical field for 10 years.
healing music:
has made my life complete:

I was blessed to be allowed to sing and play my guitar for various open heart patients during the post operative recovery period. This back in the days before radios were allowed in CCU, and open heart surgeries were still relatively rare and amazing events.

I continued to take my guitar with me to work, and to sing for any patient wishing to hear me. Memories I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.
Years later when illness looked to take my own life, I was encouraged to envelope myself in music. At that point I was so saturated with fear and despair I didn’t think it possible to go forward with ANYTHING positive. An interesting thing happened, the more I concentrated on music … the better I felt … I started getting better.
At age 50, I decided to learn how to score and notate music. Quite a project for someone who used to have difficulty simply site reading. I learned how notate using MakeMusic’s Allegro software. Amazingly, after hearing my story the MakeMusic people were kind enough to upgrade me to a free version their 2007 Finale product. Between the features of Finale coupled with Garritan’s wonderful sample CDs, I’ve been in composers heaven!
music:
salvaged my soul:

I’m not sure where life is taking me any more. I only know I’m better, I claim good health and life is now a joy.

I’m thrilled that people enjoy listening to my music. Life is a journey … I’m so grateful now mine has become a magical and exuberant experience.
I look forward to all the wonderful things in store.

who am I really?:
a little bit more about me:

My graphics, illustrations, photographs and stories have been exhibited and/or published internationally … and have garnered me numerous awards.

My biography has been listed in various national and international reference publications, including “Who’s Who in American Women”, “Who’s Who in America”, and “Who’s Who in the World”.
Blessings to all:
thank you for listening:

Sounds Like: What I sound like ... humm ...
that's a good question, considering that I play a rather eclectic mix of music, ranging from classical, to Celtic and everything in between.
If you can figure it out, please tell me. Really!
Click below and Listen to any of the tracks on my new Sampler CD.

Type of Label: Indie