Tim Janis discusses his inspiration for his new program Coastal America and speaks about his role in public television

Tim Janis has sold more than one million albums. He is also known for his longtime dedication to advancing philanthropic causes through music. Janis also leads Music in Our Schools, a volunteer program that inspires elementary school students to create music and study musical instruments.

Your music has been described as healing and inspirational by critics and fans. How do you describe your music, and what message do you hope it carries to the listener?

I hear a lot from audiences and from fans about how my music affected their lives. I think my music is instrumental because it allows each person to interpret it the way they want to — and, it uplifts and opens up the doors in their heart to support this positive thinking and rejuvenation. I think what people say about my music is usually the strongest way I can describe it. For me, it’s a diary, it’s something I write in every day. When you hear my music on Coastal America, it’s actually an extension of who and what I am.

The last few specials, Tim Janis: Beautiful America, An American Composer in Concert and Tim Janis: Coastal America have all been for public television. Why does your music fit so well on public TV?

Public television echoes what it is to me to be American. It holds the values I think to be important. The things that make us proud about our country give us history and support our children — safe and good programming. Public television basically echoes the voice of who we are. People spend so much time watching television, yet so much of it doesn’t reflect who we really are as people. To me, public TV personifies what we really are as Americans. Without that voice, I don’t know what would be left on television that is actually honest. So much of what’s on television is just purely there to dramatize some of the things that don’t need to be brought to attention and aren’t going to be helpful. I feel that public television is going the opposite direction and puts out the things that are helpful, supportive and nurturing.

With Beautiful America, we heard from stations how appreciative they were of your support during their pledge drives. You made 33 appearances as an on-air guest during pledge drives — that’s quite a bit of traveling. What has that experience been like for you?

Actually, that’s one of the most exciting experiences for me. Aside from what I'm hoping to do — alert the public of the importance of contributing to public television — I have met the people that work in the stations, and have felt a kindred spirit. I feel they are people that value the same things that I do and a real sense of community. It’s a journey that I appreciate and really gives back to me personally to make these station visits.

Tell me a little bit about your latest project, Coastal America. What can we expect from this program that is different from your last few specials?

The first thing that is different about Coastal America is the focus on the ocean. To me, the ocean is one of my biggest sources of inspiration. Another difference with this program is we focused on different parts of the coast around America. Where Beautiful America was more wilderness exploration and hiking, Coastal America features the ocean. The ocean is very moody. I think that featuring the coast gave us a lot more of these mood swings — which is an aspect of Coastal America I think a lot of people will appreciate and identify with.

Where are some of the highlights? What are some of the places you’ve gone?

Well, we did Maine — flying over some of the most popular lighthouses. Lighthouses are one of the symbols of hope. I’ve heard it said once that when a lot of immigrants first came to America, they would see the lighthouses guiding them into the shore. Also, Cape Hatteras (where I had summered when I was a kid) — it really has that soft, warm feeling. Then, the Olympia National Park, which is out on the west coast. Then, we explore Big Sur, which is another one of my favorites. I love the colors of the cliff, the grass, the flowers and the desert feel. Then on to Hawaii, a new coastal area for me to explore. It’s one of the most tropical coastlines in America — large waves and waterfalls. So, it was a nice contrast from familiar beaches.

Are you thinking about anything else for Public Television after this show?

We are going to have another show called The American Christmas Carol. I really enjoy producing the shows, and I’m very thankful to public television and all the stations that supported Beautiful America. I will do anything I can to help give a big thank you to people that support local stations — talk to them about why it’s important for them and for their community. I feel like, most of all, I want to be part of the team.