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?

I was struggling to make in-roads into the freelance world. I was also 36 when we got married and started to think about a family. Waiting was not an option.

I knew it would take me out for a little while but I was not sure at all what would happen. I did NOT predict ANYTHING about my life as it is right now! 

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

I faced completely disappearing as I was not able to get out and network. I was also exhausted and already questioning my path as a musician as I struggled with some technical challenges and crippling anxiety at auditions. 

Becoming a parent helped me focus my time when I did practice and network and created projects. It also gave me an anchor to help me not lose hope in that “at least I had my family.” The orchestral world can get pretty harsh and lonely.

I transitioned into making my own music and creating big projects after my father passed away and I felt the need to leave my children something to hold on to of me when they inevitably face the same loss. That was the beginning of my transformation into The WildFlute.

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

How can I choose one thing, it’s such a complicated challenge that encompasses how society views parents, and in particular – mothers!

I see that there is support for parents in the larger organizations like the National Ballet of Canada where they have childcare and parent-positive policies.

In the freelance classical scene, there is very little understanding of schedules and juggling competing needs and for the independent musician, the industry is still focused on virile youth and the sale of alchohol. Where does the image of a parent fall into this marketing narrative?? It’s how music is marketed that needs to change, I think.

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

An exercise in frustration and loneliness coupled with the joy of making art and showing our children that it matters.

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

I started on Facebook with a parenting group that became a lifeline and still is thriving today, supporting new parents. It hived off a specific group called Mamas and Making Art as the challenges of being female-presenting AND a parent in the arts field can be crushing. I’ve met a number of collaborators and really supportive humans in those groups that helped me become the creative artist I am today.

In real life I’m a fierce supporter of parents and do my best to share the message that we need some attention so that we don’t disappear. Losing an artist from being able to make a living simply because they aren’t young or perpetually available is a loss to our humanity.

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

The National Ballet of Canada has a very supportive parenting policy but for me as an independent musician, I have not come across any organization that supports parents.

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

Daytime shows, family passes, de-coupling music from alchohol, hold round tables to tell the marketing folks that diversity is key to making the industry feel truly inclusive.

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

Don’t be afraid to ask for help and fight for your art no matter what happens, you will be the example for the human you bring into the world.

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

There are so many unsung mamas out there who had to leave the music industry because of the challenges we face. I will shout all of them out first and hope that they will come back to it. If they do, I will help them where I can.