American pianist Noah Haidu is an in-demand pianist who gained the attention of the jazz world through live appearances and recordings with heavyweights such as Mike Stern, Ambrose Akinmusire, Jon Irabagon, Vincent Herring, Eddie Henderson, and Duane Eubanks. He has released seven albums as a leader, including DOCTONE, an album of pianist Kenny Kirkland’s music that was released in tandem with a book by Noah on Kirkland’s life, and a documentary short film which he produced. Noah lives in New York and his child is fourteen years old.
UKJazz News: What is the best advice you received about balancing/juggling parenthood and career?
Noah Haidu: I can’t think of any good advice I’ve been given on this particular topic. If anyone reading this gave me advice I’m sure it was very wise but sadly I just forgot it. There is parent-brain-fog that I’m still hoping will lift soon.
UKJN: What information or advice do you wish you’d received but didn’t (and had to learn through trial and error or on the go)?
NH: The attributes which make you the musician that you are will also define your parenting: creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, work ethic, commitment and perseverance. My pursuit of music has required big sacrifices and tough decisions. All of that applies to parenting as well.
UKJN: Your top tip(s) for other parents in jazz:
NH: Trust your instincts. For example if the caregiver that was highly recommended seems shady then she/he probably is.
Some good questions to ask:
Will my partner be a good parent?
How’s my relationship with my partner?
Do I have family nearby that can help?
If the answer is “no” to all three and it still works out then allow me to buy us a round of drinks when I play in your city!
My daughter has a great mother. We’re no longer together but when I’m busy I know she’s in good hands. I’m committed to staying involved as a father. I’ve always had a knack for finding good caregivers so that helped a lot. Now that she’s 14 I can gig locally when she’s with me. As far as I can tell there’s no drinking, wild parties and drugging while dad is gone which is more than I can say for me at that age.
UKJN: Best general travel/gigging/tour-with-child advice:
NH: I don’t do this a lot. But I used to play with a quartet where everyone co-led, everyone had kids, and everyone was very close friends. That was a situation where I was always comfortable bringing her since she was nine years old.
UKJN: What is one way that figures or structures in the jazz industry could better support parents who are working jazz musicians?
NH: Climbing on to my soapbox/bully pulpit for this one:
By better supporting the artists financially. Most people involved in jazz are there for the love of the music. Buster Williams told me recently that musicians, clubs, and the industry need to remember that we need each other.
How is it that the most creative artform in the world can’t solve some of these problems? For example there’s a coffee company in Virgina with only 50 employees but they have on site childcare. Jazz Alley in Seattle started healthcare for their employees this year. Maybe all the clubs can come together and find a way to offer similar benefits to musicians once they are performing enough.
Europe is different but It’s pretty well known that here in the U.S. where we take credit for the creation of jazz we don’t have support for those who play the music. Somehow we can have addiction treatment, G.I. bill, small business grants, national parks, sports scholarships. But because this music is so connected to our country’s racial history we would rather not think about jazz at all, and definitely don’t spend money to nourish the artforum
Meanwhile jazz musicians bring inspiration to audiences all over the world. There’s an entire economic ecosystem: clubs, waiters, chefs, bartenders, advertising, PR, labels, graphic designers, managers, booking agents, drivers, travel agents. The financial impact of this music is huge.
But in the U.S. most musicians with family responsibilities cannot support themselves comfortably without being involved in education. Even Herbie Hancock was involved at the Thelonious Monk Institute, that’s how it became the Herbie Hancock Institute.
I’ve enjoyed having students and I miss it now that I’m touring but it’s nice if it’s a choice rather than a matter of survival.
UKJN: What has surprised you about becoming a parent and remaining engaged with your professional activities and ambitions?
NH: Everything. But mainly that it’s not binary.To be a good parent you have to be a whole person. If you are engaged and challenged with your career then your time with your child will be more fulfilling for you and your children. Success doesn’t work against your parenting, it helps it. Prioritizing parenting means also prioritizing yourself and your values.
UKJN: What boundaries have you set for yourself as a parent in jazz (could be related to travel/touring, riders, personal parameters, child care decisions, etc.)?
NH: Stay off your fecking Phone. (I’m studying your language and hope to soon be able to curse fluently.)
Kids don’t need all of your time, they just need quality time when you’re together.
When you’re performing or working you can’t do much if you are preoccupied with your child’s well-being. Having a bad caregiver is probably as destructive to your music as having a bad drummer. So handle that and then go out and play your butt off.
Noah Haidu’s most recent recording is “Standards Vol 2” with Buster Williams and Billy Hart (Sunnyside, 2024). He will be performing at Pizza Express Soho on October 13, 2025 with his trio featuring bassist Gervis Myles and drummer Nasheet Waits.
(*) Parents in Jazz was started (first as ‘Mothers In Jazz’) by vocalist Nicky Schrire in August 2022. The initiative aims to create an online resource for jazz industry professionals with children, those contemplating parenthood, and jazz industry figures who work with and hire musicians who are parents. The insight of the musicians and administrators interviewed for this series provides valuable emotional, philosophical and logistical information and support that is easily accessible to all. “Parents In Jazz” shines a light on the very specific role of being both a parent and a performing jazz musician or jazz arts professional.
