Where were you at in your music career when you had your first child? Was there much discussion about how that life choice would affect your career within the music/entertainment industry?

After university, I was regularly performing as part of a community symphonic band. Music was a regular part of my daily life, but was more of an intense hobby (rather than career) before I had my first child.

What changed for you when you became a parent in this industry? (or faced when your children were younger if relevant)? 

When I became a parent, my musical involvement came to a halt. I was in survival mode for quite some time without much energy to give to music. It was hard to justify evening practice or performance. Unfortunately, for several years, music became something I listened to only and no longer performed or created. I returned to music a few years after having my second child (after about 6 years without performing), and decided to learn a solo instrument as a more flexible option. As a parent with a full-time non-creative day job, it can be very difficult to carve out reliable times to meet with others to rehearse as part of a group. So I put in the time to learn guitar as a solo artist.

What is one change (big or small) within the industry that could make a positive impact for working parents?

Now I am entering the music industry as a parent of 2 young kids. There are several challenges to this that are absolutely addressable. For live performances, one is having more family-inclusive quality performance opportunities. 

Finish this sentence: “Being a parent in music is…”

Being a parent in music is a worthwhile adventure. It’s a chance to prioritize and express yourself, carving out something that is fully you–even if you have changed irreversibly after becoming a parent. 

How do you find support and community with other working parents in or out of the music industry?

Still a work in progress, but once I find them I won’t let go!

What’s one specific example of an organization/venue/company doing something great to help support working parents?

I have performed at Kensington Unplugged in Toronto, and they have been very welcoming of my kids/family- even offering to reserve us booth seating!

What could a music event (festival, conference, etc.), do or provide to make it easier for you to participate?

Family-inclusivity can be enhanced at events/venues by through the timing (early to mid evening), setting (more non-bar centric options), and environment (reserved seating for family in quieter area) of performance opportunities. Another challenge is the “parent outing tax”, aka childcare. When childcare costs $20-$25/hour, and entry level gigs are tip-based or have a modest payment, a parent has to pay more out of pocket to perform than a non-parent. This can be addressed with family-inclusive performance opportunities or by providing childcare stipends to parent performers. 

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

My network is limited, so I don’t have a music mama to share.

What advice would you give to someone in music who’s thinking about becoming a parent?