Nikki Chapin Frizzell (published in American Songwriter Magazine)
Picture this: You are stirring the Mac-n-cheese with one hand while frantically jotting down lyrics with the other, before they disappear into the unknown and unremembered. Or you finally get a minute to sit down at the piano to plunk out that melody that’s been swirling around in your head, and it just happens to be the moment your toddler decides that he, too, wants to play the piano! It’s not easy being at home with the kids and trying to foster your craft of songwriting, is it? It hasn’t been for me, but here are a few tips that have helped. I hope they’ll help you too:
- Get a hand held tape recorder. Keep it in your pocket or purse (or diaper bag) so it will be handy when the inspiration hits. Record that inspiration, even if it’s only a few lyrics or a melody. You can come back to it later, maybe when the kiddies are asleep. You can get a pocket-sized recorder at Target stores, starting around $25. It’s a worthwhile investment!
- Keep a notepad with you. In the car, at the store…wherever. You may find inspiration at any moment, even when there’s crying little ones in the background.
- Listen to the radio. Try to listen as much as possible. Doing laundry, playing chauffeur, etc. Be cognizant of what’s hot in the music industry right now, and jot those ideas down on your notepad so you can refer to them when you finally are able to write. Listen “outside the box” too. So you don’t like country so much (as an example). Listen for a while anyway. It may open your ears and allow some new ideas and inspirations to awaken!
- Listen to those kids! Yes, of course we do that all the time anyway! But you never know when something perfectly cute (and hooky) is going to pop out of that little brain! Recently, when I had the flu, my four-year old sat beside me on the bed and said, “Mommy, I’m going to stay by you until you’re better.” So sweet, those simple words. And those words soon became the theme of a wedding song called “Stay By You.”
- Stay Informed via Internet. Being mom or dad is the toughest full time job ever! But try to make time to check in on Internet. Start with a search engine like Yahoo and type in “Christian Songwriting.” Take it from there! Often, you can collaborate, enter contests, read industry updates, attain tip sheets, etc. all via the Internet. I’ve learned that naptime for the kids is good computer time for mommy.
- Treat yourself to a music industry magazine or a newsletter. It’s as easy to read about your songwriting as it is to read about the latest in parenting. Find a magazine that can keep you informed about popular music now. American Songwriter is a good one that I’ve enjoyed. It’s inexpensive, and covers a full range of industry news, including Christian Music.
- Make your family vacation useful! It’s a tough one, but you might be able to arrange a family vacation around a music seminar or workshop. Some of the biggest seminars take place in some of the most beautiful spots in the country, and offer on-site childcare for an additional charge. The GMA Seminar in the Rockies is a perfect example. It’s a weeklong workshop on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. You can attend songwriting and music classes during the day while your spouse relaxes at the hotel, goes hiking, etc., and the kids will have a great time at the KidsCamp. Evening concerts are a fun family oriented activity too. (www.gospelmusic.com)
- Make a friend that’s in the same situation. Maybe you have a friend that is also an at-home mommy (or daddy) and a songwriter. Have a play date at one of your homes. The kids can play under your watchful eye, and you’ll also be able to collaborate or at least chat about your writing together.
- Finally, relax. Yep, relax. God has given you the precious gift of children and the important task of raising them. There is no greater priority for you, and nothing more important than that job. These precious years will speed by quickly enough. Naturally, it’s tough when we feel like our interests and hobbies are taking a back seat and our ‘gift’ is stagnating. Be confident that God has plans to finish this musical work that He began in you, and trust in His timing. Happy parenting, happy writing, and, er…could you pass me a Kleenex?
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