As a musician nowadays you often have to be a Jack-of-all-Trades to make a living doing what you love 🙂 We had the pleasure of talking to Christine Roberge, a multi-talented music professional and teacher who rocks both on stage (including jamming with Steve Vai!!!) and at home, being a mom to two wonderful kids.Here’s what she told us!

Tell us about your story with music!
My story started when I was only seven years old. Michael Jackson’s ‘Beat it’ just came out and when I first listened that guitar solo, that was it! I first started off by learning by myself Metallica’s ‘Enter Sandman’ with the tabs in a guitar magazine. I did a pretty good job because not long after I went for an audition for an all-girl band with that song and got the gig! We did write a couple of songs, did a lot of concerts and even went on the road across Canada for 3 years! When I felt my time was up in that band, I left and went to music school. I learned how to read music, understand music theory, how to create big band arrangements and a little bit of jazz. I then joined another all-girl cover band called Broken Nails.  Now, my life is filled with different musical activities: I’m a Music Business Online Degree student at the Berklee College of Music, I’m the band leader of a Rock cover band called Voltz, I’m a guitar instructor and own my own guitar school. Last but not least, I’m in the process of doing my first Rock Instrumental EP called ‘Trails to a Dream’.

Christine Roberge and Voltz band:

What does it take to be a successful musician?

You first have to ask yourself what a successful musician is? To play at the MTV Awards? Or to be able to make a living off your music? Or to have a commercial success with your album? No matter what your definition of a successful musician is , what it takes to make it is the same. You need to be able to adapt to any situation. You need to be good with other people and be fun to be around with. You need to be good at what you do and be reliable. You need to be creative and versatile to create yourself a job if nobody calls you. You need to know about the Music Business and know how the industry works.

Which episode of your career was the most fun?

Right Now is the most fun period because I’m my own boss.  I’m very busy because I’m managing a lot of things – 3 bands, 30-35 guitar students per week and I’m producing my first EP. The album is time-consuming but it’s also very rewarding. I’m also a mother of two daughters and they keep me grounded in all the craziness

“No matter what your definition of a successful musician is , what it takes to make it is the same.”

How important is it to study different aspects of music?

It’s very important to study different aspects of music. Every aspect will help you understand the big picture. Learn about music theory, learn different styles of music, learn about recording, learn about marketing, learn about music history, learn about songwriting, etc…

Can you share a great guitar tip or trick with our audience?

Learn to have a unique, in tune and great sounding vibrato. Your vibrato is part of your sound signature. Work on developing it.

Christine Roberge Jamming with Steve Vai:

What are the major issues you’re seeing in the music industry nowadays?

With the digital age, the industry is evolving and changing very fast. The recording business will never be like it used to. It’s a great era to be a DIY musician; everyone can make an album, sell it on iTunes and make videos on YouTube. To stand out from the mass, you really need to produce a high-quality product.

What do you think of Drooble?

I think it’s a great platform for musicians! Love the idea of jamming online and teaching online!

How have online services helped your career?

Yes! I use Facebook a lot to promote my musical activities. I also promote myself on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and on Drooble. I will use other online services like CD Baby to sell my music when the EP will be ready. With online services, there’s is no limit! You can sell your products all around the world.

Christine Roberge’s upcoming EP ‘Trails to a Dream’

What do you think about teaching music online?

I do a little bit of teaching online. I think it’s a good way to teach to students, not in your area. But honestly, I prefer to have the student in front of me. Online classes need more preparation and sometimes it’s hard to create the lesson in advance without even knowing the level of the student. When I have the student in front of me, it’s much easier to just change the content of the lesson on the spot.

You do lots of promoting and selling merch – what works best for you?

Posting on social media and talking about my merch to the people I meet is what works best for me. When my EP Trails to a Dream will be released, I expect to sell a lot more merch.

Which would be your best advice for fellow musicians who find it hard to make it?

It is hard to make it!  Be prepared to work hard!

“It’s very important to study different aspects of music. Every aspect will help you understand the big picture.”

Tell us what you’re listening to right now?

Dream Theater’s latest album.

Make a wish for 2016!

I hope that my EP will be well received by the public.

Christine Roberge is a musican from Montreal, Canada. Follow her or book a lesson at drooble.com/christine.r