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.

The early days of parenthood are a whirlwind. Between sleep deprivation, constant care demands, and the steep learning curve of caring for a newborn, new parents are left feeling utterly exhausted and, at times, overwhelmed. For me, the transition to “mother” felt like an immediate, transformative shift. The moment I held my baby, a fierce sense of love and responsibility took root. Pandemic isolation added a layer of protection and worry, making me feel as though I’d do anything to keep my child safe—even putting my viola aside, as being “mother” fully overtook being “musician.”

Classical musicians often tie their identity to their instrument, and for years, “violist” was who I was. As I took on motherhood, I couldn’t balance both roles at once; each required my full presence. Blending these identities took about a year, and along the way, I found a new rhythm—maximizing nap times for focused work, quickly snapping back into playing shape before concerts. Over time, I learned that being a musician and a mother could coexist, but only with a dedicated separation of focus. When I’m with my kids, I’m with them; when I’m working or playing, my mind is fully on music.

Now, as a mother of two, I embrace the dual identity of Mother and Musician, feeling fully in the moment in each role.

My journey to motherhood was filled with beauty, joy, and unexpected isolation. As a classical freelance musician living in Paris, I navigated pregnancy during the height of the global pandemic. From strict lockdowns and canceled concerts to the solitude of bringing new life into the world, it was a time of challenge and transformation. This is my story of resilience, love, and finding peace in a world turned upside down.

How do working musician moms manage their professional lives (practicing, performing, arranging childcare with ever-changing schedules,) while also being emotionally present, devoted parents, and keeping up with the never-ending changes and hurdles of raising little ones?