Abstract
Balancing motherhood and a professional career in the music industry is a multifaceted and rewarding endeavor. This editorial explores the experiences and strategies of professional vocalist and entrepreneur, Cienna Alida, as she harmonizes her responsibilities as a mother and her thriving career. Through her insights, we gain an understanding of the daily routines, challenges, and coping mechanisms that define her journey. The article also introduces the HARMONY Model, a theoretical framework designed to help mothers integrate personal and professional roles effectively. The model emphasizes holistic planning, adaptability, resilience, mentorship, organized support systems, nurturing creativity, and yearly reflection to facilitate success and well-being for mothers in the music industry.
Keywords: motherhood, music career, balance, resilience, creativity, and support systems
A Typical Day in the Life
The daily routine of balancing motherhood and a music career starts with ensuring the child is ready for daycare. This involves a well-thought-out routine tailored to the child’s growth and development. The morning ritual is crucial, setting the tone for the child’s day with activities that promote their well-being and foster their early learning. Once the child is dropped off, the day officially begins with logging into work, addressing emails, and planning household tasks. Maintaining a harmonious environment for the family is a priority, which includes managing a full-time work schedule, attending meetings, and preparing meals. These tasks are intertwined with professional commitments, requiring seamless transitions between domestic responsibilities and work-related duties.
In the afternoon, the focus shifts back to motherhood with educational activities and preparing the child for the evening. This period is dedicated to nurturing the child’s development through interactive learning and play, reinforcing the bond between mother and child. The professional responsibilities resume in the evening with singing engagements, requiring meticulous preparation and performance. This phase involves verifying equipment, dressing appropriately, and ensuring readiness for the performance. Events typically last several hours, not accounting for travel and setup time. Post-event, the day winds down with final work tasks and preparation for the next day, often extending into the late hours to complete any outstanding work.
Balancing Motherhood and Music: Challenges and Triumphs
Women in the music industry, particularly mothers, face unique challenges. The scrutiny on appearance and presentation is heightened, requiring constant readiness and professionalism (Knight, 2020; Moir, 2015). This challenge is compounded by the logistical considerations of childcare, such as whether the child can accompany the mother to events and the potential judgments from others. The expectation to maintain a polished and professional image, regardless of personal circumstances, adds to the pressure (Thornton, 2011). The emotional toll of balancing these roles includes dealing with “mom guilt,” where the mother feels torn between professional commitments and missing significant moments in her child’s development (Steiner, 2007). Coping mechanisms involve meticulous planning, intentionality, and a robust support system to manage the multifaceted demands of both roles. This requires a high level of organization and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, ensuring both professional and parental duties are met effectively (Fitzpatrick, 2013).
Motherhood profoundly influences artistic identity and musical expression (Bain, 2004). It necessitates a reassessment of creative themes, ensuring they align with personal values and the legacy one wishes to leave (Podnieks & O’Reilly, 2010). This conscious approach aims to create work that resonates with authenticity and integrity, considering the example set for future generations. The themes explored in music often shift to reflect the deeper sense of purpose and responsibility that motherhood brings. The creative process is also affected, with the need for a conducive environment to foster creativity (Simic et al., 2016). Finding time and mental space amid the demands of motherhood can be challenging, often resulting in periods of creative block (Phillips, 2022). Conversely, moments of peace and balance can lead to heightened creativity, highlighting the interplay between personal well-being and artistic output. The ability to draw inspiration from the experiences and emotions of motherhood can lead to a richer, more nuanced artistic expression.
Family and friends play a crucial role in managing the dual responsibilities of career and motherhood (Carrigan & Duberley, 2013). Emotional support from loved ones, who inquire about the mother’s well-being, provides a safety net. This support extends to practical help, such as childcare during gigs and moments of respite, enabling the mother to recharge and maintain her creative and professional pursuits (Nel et al., 2010). The presence of a reliable support system alleviates some of the stress and allows for greater focus on professional goals. These support systems alleviate immediate pressures and reinforce the mother’s sense of identity and purpose beyond her parental role (Ekinsmyth, 2014). They serve as a reminder of her pre-motherhood aspirations and encourage her to pursue her goals with renewed vigor. The encouragement and assistance from a supportive network can make a significant difference in managing the challenges and responsibilities of both motherhood and a music career.
Advice for Aspiring Singer-Entrepreneurs Who Are Mothers
The primary advice for aspiring singer-entrepreneurs who are mothers includes finding spaces where they are seen and valued as individuals. Embracing one’s identity and talents, despite the additional responsibilities of motherhood, is crucial. Mothers are encouraged to remain true to their dreams and aspirations, ensuring self-care and personal growth alongside parental duties. Recognizing and celebrating one’s unique contributions can foster confidence and motivation. Clarity in goals and intentionality in actions are fundamental for balancing these roles successfully. A well-defined plan with specific steps and timeframes aids in navigating the path toward achieving creative and professional objectives.
With robust support and a focused approach, mothers can excel in their careers while nurturing their families. Developing a strong support network, setting clear goals, and maintaining a balanced perspective are key to successfully managing the dual roles of motherhood and a music career. The journey of balancing these responsibilities is undeniably marked by careful planning, intentionality, and the invaluable support of loved ones. By embracing these strategies and maintaining a clear sense of purpose, mothers can thrive both as artists and caregivers, enriching their lives and those around them. Integrating professional ambitions with parental responsibilities can indeed lead to a fulfilling and successful career in the music industry.
A Theoretical Model for Balancing Motherhood and a Music Career
Reflecting on my experiences as a professional vocalist and entrepreneur, it’s evident that balancing motherhood with a demanding music career requires a multifaceted approach. To offer a structured framework for other mothers facing similar challenges, my longtime friend and music director, José Valentino, and I propose the “HARMONY Model”—a theoretical framework designed to facilitate the effective integration of personal and professional roles.
HARMONY Model: Key Components
Holistic Planning
• Comprehensive Scheduling: Develop detailed daily and weekly schedules that incorporate both professional and personal responsibilities. This includes work commitments, family time, self-care, and creative pursuits.
• Prioritization: Identify and prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, ensuring critical activities receive the necessary attention.
Adaptability
• Flexible Time Management: Maintain flexibility within the schedule to adapt to unforeseen changes, such as a child’s illness or unexpected professional opportunities.
• Contingency Plans: Prepare backup plans for both childcare and professional engagements to minimize disruption.
Resilience
• Emotional Resilience: Develop coping mechanisms for managing stress and emotional challenges, such as mindfulness practices, therapy, or support groups.
• Physical Well-being: Prioritize health and well-being through regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet.
Mentorship and Networking
• Industry Connections: Build and maintain a network of industry professionals who can offer support, opportunities, and guidance.
• Peer Support: Engage with other mothers in the industry to share experiences, strategies, and emotional support.
Organized Support Systems
• Family and Friends: Leverage the support of family and friends for childcare and emotional support. Communicate needs clearly to ensure they understand how best to help.
• Professional Services: Utilize professional services such as nannies, cleaners, or personal assistants to alleviate some of the domestic burdens.
Nurturing Creativity
• Dedicated Creative Time: Allocate specific times for creative activities without distractions to ensure ongoing artistic development.
• Inspiration Sources: Draw inspiration from daily life, including motherhood, to infuse authenticity and depth into artistic work.
Yearly Review and Reflection
• Annual Goals Assessment: Regularly review and adjust professional and personal goals based on progress and changing circumstances.
• Reflective Practice: Engage in reflective practices such as journaling or meditation to continually align actions with personal values and aspirations.
Conclusion
Balancing the dual roles of motherhood and a music career is a journey marked by both challenges and rewards. It is important for mother music entrepreneurs to remember that striving for perfection is neither necessary nor realistic. The path to integrating personal and professional responsibilities will inevitably involve moments of imbalance and imperfection. Embrace these moments as opportunities for growth and learning. Understand that resilience is built through overcoming obstacles, and creativity often flourishes in the midst of chaos. The HARMONY Model provides a structured framework, but flexibility and adaptability are key. Lean on your support systems, take time for self-care, and set realistic goals. Above all, be kind to yourself. Progress, not perfection, is the true measure of success. Every step forward, no matter how small, contributes to your journey as both a mother and a professional. Celebrate your achievements, learn from setbacks, and continue to pursue your dreams with passion and determination. By maintaining a balanced perspective and prioritizing both your career and family, you can achieve a fulfilling and successful career in the music industry.
About the Authors
Cienna Alida, M.S., is one of Tampa Bay’s most sought-after vocalists, known for her versatility in R&B, soul, gospel, jazz, the American songbook, hip hop, pop, funk, and country. She has performed at major festivals such as the Clearwater Jazz Holiday Festival, Uptown Music & Arts Festival, and Lowcountry Jazz Festival, and regularly collaborates with GRAMMY® artists including Charlton Singleton (Ranky Tanky), El G.Nie, Bruno Miranda, and José Valentino. Alida holds a Master of Science in Public Health and previously served as the vocalist-in-residence for the University of Florida Center of Arts in Medicine’s Shands Hospital collaborative program, singing for patients.
José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D., operates several ventures, including CEO of JV Music Enterprises, Director of Entrepreneurship & Leadership at the Global Institute for Music Research, and Founder, Director, and Associate Professor of Music Business & Entrepreneurship at the University of Florida. Ruiz is a multi-Latin GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, composer, producer, and engineer. For more information, visit: www.josevalentino.com
& https://arts.ufl.edu/directory/profile/166311
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