Iver Kleive is born in Skien, Norway in 1949. In 1972 he graduated as cantor at the Musical conservatoire in Oslo. From 1973-76 he studied organ play at Staatliche Hochschule für Musik in München, and submitted german exam in the soloist class for organ players. Iver Kleive was organ player in Frogner church, Oslo 1976-81, In Røyken church, Akershus 1982-85 and in Helgerud church, Bærum from 1987. His background for working with choirs comes from the legendary Münchener Bachchor, with conductor Karl Richter, where he sang 1st tenor for 3 years.