Young musicians, dancers, and theatre artists grapple with any number of internal and external obstacles as they navigate the decision to pursue a career in their artform. But their parents have their own set of challenges and concerns, especially when they don’t have a personal connection with someone who has established a successful arts career.
When their son, Jasper (featured on Episode 3 of the podcast), decided to become a film composer, Esther and Tom van Dijk had lots of questions. In our conversation, they discuss how they each supported Jasper in his artistic pursuits and the unique ways in which each of them processed their own feelings about the hurdles, struggles, and prospects that lay before their son.
One of the main take-aways is Esther’s encouragement to other parents: Support your children so that they may have no regrets; encourage them to give their passions a chance, even if it mean changing course later.
