Professional violinist Sarah Moir finds call centre work to keep musical family afloat during COVID

Wollongong violinist Sarah Moir has found work in a call centre during the pandemic. (ABC Illawarra: Justin Huntsdale)

Before the COVID pandemic hit Sarah Moir was at the top of her game.

She had a nightly residency at Queensland's popular Paronella Park tourist attraction with her string-playing family, was headlining cruise ship shows, and even had to turn down gigs with Michael Bublé and Bruce Springsteen.

But as the pandemic slowly eroded every avenue of her family's income from gigs to busking, she realised her exceptional musical talent would no longer pay bills and feed her family.

"We moved back to Wollongong and started to look for work because JobKeeper was coming to an end," she said.

"Gradually realising music isn't going to come back any time soon, that's when I began my epic job hunt.

The Moir family had a residency at Paronella Park in north Queensland before COVID-19 hit. (Supplied: Stephen Jorgensen, All Saints Photography)

Finding work in a call centre

A brain injury to her husband Joel in 2019 meant she was the sole breadwinner and her family's quartet now played as a trio.

After a long job hunt, she was eventually hired by a Wollongong company working in their call centre.

Sarah Moir didn't want to listen to or play music during the pandemic. (ABC Illawarra: Justin Huntsdale)

Ms Moir's story is one felt by countless musicians worldwide, as well as in other sectors.

She has had to adjust to working in a new industry while carefully reigniting her love for her old one as performing opportunities return.

"During the pandemic I didn't want to listen to or play music, and it made me feel quite upset to think about music," she said.

"There was so much emotion tied up in not being able to play for a living."

Sarah Moir said teaching country NSW school children violin helped rekindle her love for playing. (ABC Illawarra: Justin Huntsdale)

Ms Moir shared her experience of developing depression and seeking treatment during this period in a Facebook post.

"I started anti-depressants just so that I could cope with daily life," she wrote.

Country kids help steer recovery

When Ms Moir was invited back to teach at the annual Riverina Strings and Recorders Camp for school students this year, she took a major step in her recovery.

"I knew I'd find it really rewarding because the kids are country kids who don't have a lot of music opportunities," she said.

As vaccination rates rise and performance opportunities return, it is nearly time for her to go back to the familiar setting of a stage, bright lights, and an audience.

"When I do get back on the stage I'll probably just cry," she said.

"The first time standing in the wings waiting to go on stage I'll be petrified. But once I get out there on the actual stage I'll be okay."