“”The most audacious thing I could possibly state in this day and age is that life is worth living. It’s worth being bashed against. It’s worth getting scarred by. It’s worth pouring yourself over every one of its coals.” – Jeff Buckley
At home in Kreuzberg, Berlin
The Life of a Musician!
A career in music is one of the most rewarding paths you can choose — but it can also be one of the most daunting and confusing.
Beyond writing moving and memorable songs, you’re also expected to build a team, book tours, release records, navigate the industry, manage relationships, promote yourself, stay creatively inspired, make financial decisions, and somehow avoid burning out along the way. And on top this, most musicians are expected to learn all of this by trial and error.
I know, because I’ve spent the last 25 years doing exactly that.
When I was sixteen and started performing my first songs, I knew music was the life I wanted. Since then, I’ve experienced the excitement of creating, recording, touring, teaching, and building a career—but I’ve also made my share of mistakes. Looking back, I can see how much time, energy, and frustration I could have saved if I’d had an experienced musician to challenge my thinking, answer my questions, and help me avoid some costly detours.
That’s why I now offer music mentoring.
Unlike coaching, mentoring draws directly on my own professional experience. Sometimes what you need isn’t another perspective—you need practical advice from someone who’s already faced similar challenges. I’ll share what I’ve learned honestly, help you think through important decisions, and offer feedback that is grounded in real experience rather than theory.
Alongside my own career as a professional musician, I teach songwriting and singing at the Konrad Wolff Film University Babelsberg and regularly coach at the Gustav Academy in Fribourg, Switzerland. I also teach private lessons for songwriting, piano, and beginner guitar.
Whether you’re just starting out or already established, I can help you with topics such as:
- Songwriting and lyric writing
- Arranging songs
- Developing your artistic direction
- Working effectively with bands
- Booking tours
- Working with labels, bookers, managers, and press agents
- Recording and releasing music
- Building a sustainable career without losing sight of why you started making music in the first place
If you’d like practical guidance from someone who’s spent more than two decades building a life in music, I’d be happy to meet for an introductory session and see how I can help.
Some Career Hightlights
Winner of the Prix du Jury as part of “Les Inouïs” – Printemps de Bourges, France (2014)
Nominated for a Western Canada Music Award (2008), a Canadian Folk Music Award (2008/2010), and a GAMIQ Award (2014).
Won the RIDEAU Prize at the ROSEQ Festival in Québec, Canada (2011)
Contact: markberube@gmail.com
