Talia Smith-Muller

Talia Smith-Muller is the content manager at Berklee Online and a frequent contributor to Take Note. She enjoys telling the stories of Berklee Online’s talented worldwide community. Before coming to Berklee, Talia was an assistant publicist for the top names in children’s music and marketed classical music organizations such as the Aspen Music Festival and School and the Eugene Symphony.




Berklee Online student Paul Zarvis is pictured leaning against a building with a keyboard

Paul Zarvis on Pursuing His Berklee Degree When He’s 64

Nearly four decades after leaving Berklee College of Music’s campus, 64-year-old Paul Zarvis is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Music Production through Berklee Online.

A piano is shown with holiday lights sparkling on the keys and in the background.

How to Write Original Holiday Songs

’Tis the season to spice up your catalog of originals with holiday songwriting tips courtesy of songwriter Brady Rymer, Berklee Online songwriting instructors Andrea Stolpe and Jimmy Kachulis, as well as Berklee’s Joe Bennett, who helped compose what is winkingly known as “the happiest Christmas song, according to science.”

Photograph of Dexter Kodat in front of the doors of Electric Lady Studios

Dexter Kodat’s Journey to Electric Lady Studios

Berklee Online alum Dexter Kodat shares how his passion for music production led him from the Community College of Philadelphia, to Berklee Online, to the legendary Electric Lady Studios in NYC.

Billy Ray McClelland plays acoustic guitar in a chair in front of a house.

US Veteran Billy Ray McClelland Earns His Degree in Guitar from Berklee

Music has always been a place of comfort for Billy Ray McClelland, a US Army veteran who will add a bachelor’s degree in Guitar Performance from Berklee Online to his list of honorable achievements by the end of 2023. In this story Billy Ray discusses his musical upbringing, his plans for after graduation, and the secret about rhythm that he learned in the military.

A group of five strings musicians performing at night on the sidewalk next to a police car and "do not cross" tape.

Autumn Maria Reed Fights Gun Violence with Music

Berklee Online alum Autumn Maria Reed shares about her experience as a first-responder musician for the Black String Triage Ensemble in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

An eighth note with a computational looking background.

AI Music: What Musicians Need to Know

Whether you’re actively using AI in your music, or have some hesitations, it’s becoming increasingly clear that AI is going to be a big factor in the music industry going forward. We discuss with Berklee faculty the current state of AI in the music industry, including the tools that are available now.

Hands on a sound board in a recording studio.

Berklee Online Master’s Alumni Receive 2023 Music Production Awards

For the third consecutive year, Enrique Gonzalez Müller, director for Berklee Online’s Music Production master’s program, has teamed up with iZotope, Slate Digital, and Sweetwater Sound to recognize the production work of six outstanding alumni.

Vinyl record featuring the progress pride flag on a turn table.

Songs for Pride Month: LGBTQIA+ Artists to Listen to Now

June is Pride Month and here are 15 LGBTQIA+ artists who you should listen to not only now, but year-round.

A group of 2022 Berklee graduates celebrate at Commencement.

Berklee Online’s Class of 2023 Rejoice in Community and Perseverance

Members of Berklee Online’s graduating class head to Boston from around the world to attend Berklee College of Music’s 2023 Commencement ceremony. Read the stories of seven stand-out graduates who are celebrating the hard work that led to this milestone.

Valentine's Gifts for Music Lovers

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Music Lovers

If your Valentine is a music lover, then what better way to show someone you care than by affirming their love for music and their favorite artists? Here are 10 Valentine’s Day gift ideas that offer a musical twist to some classic gift items.