Where were you at in your music career when you had your first child?
I was a classically trained flutist, had finished university and had moved to the musical centre of the universe - the Yukon. I can say that I’m a self-starter so looked for opportunities to be involved in the performing arts world. As a mom, I focused on local whether organizing and promoting concerts for myself and other musicians; joining the local music teachers association; or working with the Yukon Arts Council to tour performing artists throughout Yukon communities, my goal was to be involved in making music happen for both myself and for fellow musicians.
Was there much discussion about how that life choice would affect your career within the music/entertainment industry?
No. I had chosen to be a stay-at-home Mom and with that decided, I sorted out how to continue to perform and teach. My husband was an elementary school teacher so he took over childcare at the end of the school day and I started my teaching day after school was done.
I shifted my career from performing and teaching music into artist management and booking when my youngest was in high school, starting Magnum Opus Management (MOM) in 1998. There was full support on the home front for my work. It took me away as I learned the ins and outs of the music biz and built my company but I was, and still am, in the enviable position of having a supportive and understanding family.
As a working parent in the music industry, what are some of the biggest challenges you are facing?
At this time of life, I can be classified as a "working grandparent". No big challenges on the parenting front.
How do you find support and community with other working parents in or out of the music industry?
Building a career in the industry, I feel privileged to have been surrounded by a community that shared knowledge and gave support when I needed it. I’ve been able to bring some of that vibe to the work I do in representing artists and working with others in the biz. I’ve always sought out like-minded individuals and have not been afraid to ask for help when needed. That’s not to say that the last 25 - 26 years have been without challenges. I was initially told by some naysayers in the industry that it would be too hard to run an impactful agency from remote Canada. Proved them wrong! I am proud of my accomplishments, being from the North and having had a hand in the growth of music careers.
