Photo of Barbra Lica, co-founder, bandleader, and lead vocalist of the Toronto Chamber-Pop Orchestra. Photo by Dale Sood.
We found that the freelance caregiver-artists involved in our project were sometimes hesitant to request additional support, fearing they might be seen as difficult or burdensome. To address this, we made it clear that supporting diverse artist needs was central to our collective’s mission—especially in light of the inequities in the music industry that were exacerbated by the pandemic.
Toronto Chamber-Pop Orchestra
Toronto Chamber-Pop Orchestra
Caregiver Support for Freelance Artists
Pilot Project: Financial support and on-site childcare for musicians with young children.
Project Duration: January 2024 – November 2025
Continuing to Implement: Yes. Orchestra leaders plan to continue engaging in conversations with caregiver-artists to better understand and address their needs and budget for appropriate care supports.
Resources Shared: Project Field Notes
About Toronto Chamber-Pop Orchestra
Location: Ontario
Artistic Discipline: Music
Operating Budget: Project-based
The Toronto Chamber-Pop Orchestra (TCPO) is an ensemble founded by JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter Barbra Lica and trombonist-arranger Anders Azzopardi. Barbra has performed her songs—which blend folk, jazz, and country—on stage around the world. When the COVID-19 pandemic brought live performance to a halt, Barbra and Anders began imagining something bold and expansive for the other side of isolation. Together, they invited 14 of Toronto’s most prolific and virtuosic musicians to perform all-new arrangements of Barbra’s original repertoire.
The ensemble features an all-star lineup, including 10-time JUNO nominee Tara Davidson on woodwinds, Canadian Folk Music Award-winner Beth Silver on cello, renowned composer and bandleader Aline Homzy on first violin, three-time Canadian Music Competition finalist Jessica Deutsch on viola, Toronto’s 2019 Emerging Jazz Artist recipient Mark Godfrey on bass, and JUNO Award-winning vocalist Sammy Jackson. After years of writing and arranging in solitude, TCPO marks a triumphant return to live music, full sound, and the shared stories that bring us together.
Toronto Chamber-Pop Orchestra’s Level UP! Project
The Toronto Chamber-Pop Orchestra’s pilot focused on supporting caregiver-artists during the production of their debut studio album, Songs for Orchestra. With nearly half of the ensemble’s members actively caring for young children, the project prioritized caregiver needs to better support members throughout the recording process.
TCPO provided musicians with financial assistance to offset childcare-related expenses and offered access to a licensed, screened caregiver during recording sessions—enabling caregiver-musicians to engage more fully in the creative process while balancing their family responsibilities. Recognizing that some musicians felt hesitant to request help, project leaders made it clear that caregiving support was a core part of the project’s mission and that dedicated funds for care support had been specifically allocated, separate from the operating budget.
Project Highlights:
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- Conversations about caregiving needs were initiated early and led by bandleader Barbra Lica, who has lived experience as both an artist and caregiver.
- Flexible scheduling, smaller group recording sessions, and remote collaboration tools (such as Zoom and Audio Movers) were used to improve accessibility, balance, and ease.
- Caregiver support funds were distributed through a straightforward invoicing and e-transfer system.
Resources
Toronto Chamber-Pop Orchestra | Project Field Notes
About This Resource Barbra Lica of the Toronto Chamber-Pop Orchestra created these Project Field Notes in 2025 to share details about their Balancing Act Level UP! Pilot Project. Their pilot focused on offering financial support and on-site childcare for musicians...
More Information
For more information about Barbra Lica, co-founder of Toronto Chamber-Pop Orchestra, visit barbralicamusic.com
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