Kate Ferber has been part of the MusiCares' team for more than three years — first as part of the Development team, and now as part of the Marketing team. As Communications Manager, she plays an integral role in shaping and elevating MusiCares' brand image and reputation.
With personal ties to the importance of wellness and music prior to her career at MusiCares, Kate was immediately inspired to get involved after first hearing about the organization. Now, she’s making it her mission to spread awareness of MusiCares' work across the entire music community.
Below, learn more about Kate's road to MusiCares, and her incredible work towards furthering the MusiCares mission.
What does your job entail?
I'm Communications Manager at MusiCares! I focus on our messaging and storytelling, oversee email communications and marketing, write some of our editorial articles, and work with our marketing team to promote our mission.
What led you to a career in marketing & communications at MusiCares?
Before MusiCares, I had a full-time freelance career in both the music and wellness worlds for 15 years. I wrote, performed and produced a solo show; starred in three productions/tours of a musical created by John Mellencamp, Steven King, and T Bone Burnette; sang backup for Lorde and opened for Shawn Colvin; and released singles and albums of original music.
Between tours and teaching music lessons in New York, I was also leading centered movement and meditation classes focused on spiritual and physical health as a Registered Yoga Instructor. Upon my move to Topanga Canyon, California four years ago, the transition began from hustling freelancer to a calmer, simpler lifestyle.
After hearing about MusiCares for the first time, from a retired rock drummer who said "MusiCares saved my life," I knew I had to be involved, and submitted my first application to the Recording Academy. I held temporary positions across the company and have found a home at MusiCares, where my passions for music and my music community, wellness, storytelling, and communications collide.
I started out on the fundraising team, and transitioned to my role as Communications Manager in December, 2022. I still play my original music, collaborate with artists, and practice yoga in my free time.
What inspires you the most about working at MusiCares within marketing & communications?
When I was a full-time music professional, MusiCares never came across my radar. Not once. A few times in my 20s, I 100% could have used the support and resources. Now it is my mission to make sure my community knows all about MusiCares so they feel that a career in music is more safe and sustainable.
Do you have any advice for individuals just starting out their career in marketing & communications?
Writing = Rewriting. Never settle for a first draft, and learn to love a good edit!
Also, keep a relationship journal and do your best to remember names and how you meet people. Building and maintaining your relationships is key.
What keeps you motivated at work?
Our amazing Health and Human Services team often share testimonials from clients about how MusiCares helped them. They often include the phrase "MusiCares saved my life," and it moves me to tears every time.
What are you most proud of in the last year at MusiCares?
I'm proud of each and every one of my coworkers for their incredible efforts day in and day out. MusiCares' staff members are truly the most incredible people. Check out the "About" tab on our website to see all of their names. I'm honored to work with them and am looking forward to continuing to expand MusiCares' reach to all corners of the industry.
The stories we tell in our social media posts, editorials, emails, and during our events continuously inspire thousands of people to get involved, donate or even to reach out if they need help. That's why I'm most proud to be on this team.