Berklee Online presents
Fender Stratocaster is shown, showcasing the middle pickup, which Mark Hopkins says is a hidden secret!

Fender Stratocaster Guitar Pickups Secret: The Magic of the Middle

If you own a Fender Stratocaster, you’ve probably already delved into the differences between the pickups. But listening to the tone of most guitarists you see playing a Strat, you’ll notice that the middle is probably the most overlooked pickup. Here is what makes it so special.

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Left: O.C.E. They Don’t Compare (distortion), Right: O.C.E. Wrench (fuzz)

Distortion and Fuzz Guitar Effect Pedals: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to guitar effects, most guitarists will begin their journey with distortion, fuzz, or overdrive. So what’s the difference? Guitarist and gear fanatic Mark Hopkins weighs in.

Andrea Stolpe

Andrea Stolpe Wins UPCEA Exemplary Teaching Award

Andrea Stolpe has won the 2022 Exemplary Teaching Award from the University Professional and Continuing Education Association. This award honors a professional, continuing, or online education faculty member for outstanding teaching.

10 Berklee Online Courses to Get Back to Basics

As a musician, learning is a lifelong journey, and if you are looking to acquire new musical skills, there is no better place to start than with these 10 Berklee Online intro courses.

25 Influential Female Rockers Through the Decades

During Women’s History Month, learn about 25 of the most influential female rockers with the help of Berklee Online’s Rock History course.

7 Tips to Keep Your Singing Voice Healthy in Cold Weather

Winter is a challenging time for vocalists between the dry air, frequent traveling and performing, and increased chance of catching a cold. We have some tips to help your vocal cords combat the cold.

A piano with holiday lights running along the keys.

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.”

Debbie Gibson and Sean Thomas

Debbie Gibson Collaborates with Rising Producer Sean Thomas

Debbie Gibson understands the importance of nurturing young talent, which is why she chose 20-year-old Berklee Online grad Sean Thomas to produce and mix her new album.

The 1978 "Halloween" movie image of a jack-o'-lantern figure holding a knife.

‘Halloween’ Theme: What Makes the Music so Scary?

The music from the 1978 film “Halloween” was revolutionary, not just because director John Carpenter also composed the score, but because of Carpenter’s adventurous use of early synth pads and stabs, which helped him create one of the most powerful and creepiest soundtracks of all time.

An illuminated jack o' lantern wearing headphones sitting on top of a soundboard surrounded by purple smoke.

Scary Music: a Playlist for Halloween

Faculty members at Berklee Online offer their most haunting and bone-chilling scary music recommendations just in time for Halloween.