Raising a child as a freelance musician comes with unique challenges—long rehearsals, late-night gigs, and an unpredictable schedule—all while navigating the intense demands of motherhood. Without a built-in support system, many musician parents face isolation, especially when living far from family. But support can come in many forms, from trusted friends to online communities. In this post, I reflect on my journey of finding my "village" while raising a child abroad and share ways you can build your own support system as a musician parent. Who is in your village?

Rushing to one of my first gigs postpartum, I found myself in a whirlwind of challenges that I hadn’t anticipated. Living in a Paris suburb, I had spent the morning desperately searching for medication for my infant, only to realize minutes before leaving that my maternity pants were too loose, while my pre-pregnancy concert attire was impossible to button. It was a harsh reminder of how little support exists for mothers navigating the postpartum phase, especially in the performing arts world.

As a classical musician, finding concert black that accommodates maternity and nursing feels like a wild goose chase—either too expensive or poorly made. But when I discovered Blackstrad, a clothing line designed for professional musicians, everything changed. Their maternity dress isn’t just functional—it’s elegant, breathable, and made to last through every stage of motherhood.

If you’ve ever struggled with postpartum concert attire, this piece is for you. Let’s talk about why maternity concert black is so hard to find—and celebrate solutions that finally work.

Feeling overwhelmed balancing motherhood and your music career? You’re not alone. Between endless to-do lists, unexpected parenting challenges, and a full schedule as a freelance musician, it can feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. In this post, I share practical tips to manage the chaos, find calm, and remind yourself that you’re doing an amazing job. Take a deep breath—you’ve got this.