After eight years of classical training on violin as a kid, Berven turned to guitar in early teens. Further studies on classical and electric guitar, songwriting in rock and jazz bands gave Berven the ground for later develepoment.

At the University of Trondheim (NTNU), the highly recognised education for jazz music: Jazzlinja, Berven did four years of profound studies. This, combined with intensive international touring, gave Berven a valuable platform.

In later years Mads Berven have settled as a full time freelance guitarist based in Bergen, Norway, doing different session work, and focusing on the further development of his guitar playing.

As a student at the University in Bergen, Berven formed the string swing jazz band called Kniv & Taffel Swing Jazz Orkester, while also taking an active part in the early 2000 Bergen rock and electronica scene playing with artists like Logikal, Ralph Myerz, Karin Park, Nathalie Nordnes, and more.

In 2008 Mads Berven recieved the Vossa Jazz Price for his work as a jazz guitarist.

During the recent years Mads Berven have been working in a duo project with writer Frode Grytten, playing on litterature festivals, rock festivals, jazz festivals, and more.

In 2010 Berven released his first album Mountains and the Sea, as a composer and leader of an instrumental jazz group, receiving good critics.

The second album Zplint! is due to be released in spring/summer of 2015. Check out live studio video further down on the site!