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?

Our child was a happy surprise. There wasn't discussion but being a mother has limited to my ability to offer performances at regular performance times (evenings and weekends). We don't have family in down and childcare is a challenge. I don't know how to answer the question where I was at. But I was offering regular performances, song circles and sound baths live.

As a working parent in the music industry, what are some of the biggest challenges you face or have faced?

As mentioned above, scheduling gigs and events. Most events are at times when we do not have reliable childcare from our day home. And then to recruit other quality babysitters gets expensive, an expense often not accounted for in performance fees.

Also my personal time has become limited. So having time to practice and create has been reduced. My child loves music but when he's around, the music often has to include him in some way. I also feel more isolated than I did as a single person. Like my finger is way off the pulse now, I have less capacity to keep up with what's going on, when events are happening etc.

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

More community for musical parents? More outreach? More noon hour or daytime events? An arts rehearsal/creation space that also offers childcare/play time? Better streaming platforms where artists get better return on their music?

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

I've struggled with this. I've felt like I need more support but don't know where it is or even feel too overwhelmed to find it.

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

Edmonton Arts Council has Equity and Access grants and recognize parenthood as a barrier to access.

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

Childcare!