Gabrielle Goodman on Chaka Khan, Roberta Flack, and Nailing Singing Auditions
Gabrielle Goodman, a former backing vocalist for Chaka Khan and Roberta Flack, shares stories from the stage and studio, including the time she opened for Miles Davis, wrote a song Chaka recorded, and taught herself to harmonize on the fly. She also reflects on teaching, improvisation, and what it means to sing every single day.
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Leading with Kindness: Debbie Cavalier’s Vision for the Future of Music Education
Debbie Cavalier has led Berklee Online from an ambitious idea to the world’s largest online music school—and she did it with kindness at the core. Now, as she receives a top leadership honor, she reflects on her journey, from MIDI in the ’80s to AI in the classroom.
Prince Charles Alexander Talks Biggie, Beyoncé, and the Secrets to Vocal Production Success
Grammy-winning producer and engineer Prince Charles Alexander discusses his career working with legends like Mary J. Blige and the Notorious B.I.G., his vocal production techniques, studio stories, and advice for aspiring music creators.
Amanda Davis on Working Front of House for Janelle Monae, Ella Mai, and More
Amanda Davis, live sound engineer for Janelle Monáe and Ella Mai, shares insights on her career, from mixing at Madison Square Garden to teaching Berklee Online’s Live Event Sound Engineering and Concert Mixing 201 course.
Remembering Steve Morse
Steve Morse was a legendary music journalist, having served as the senior rock critic for the Boston Globe for three decades, and on the nominating committee for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was also a Berklee Online instructor, who put all of his heart into his Rock History course. He passed away after a brief illness in October of 2024.
Hug-a-Bassist Day: Embrace the Teachings of Berklee Online’s Bass Instructors
October 12 is Hug-a-Bassist Day, a little-known but much-needed celebration that honors those who lay down the low end. Celebrate by hugging a bassist, obviously, but also by getting to know Berklee Online’s four bass instructors—each as essential as the four strings on a standard bass guitar.
Lori Landay on Crafting Stories in a Digital World
Lori Landay’s new four-week Digital Storytelling course will guide students through the narrative process, from forming an initial concept and storyboarding, to filming and postproduction.
Kevin Harris Talks Jazz Piano, Pan-African Music, and the African-Influenced Method
The author of Berklee Online’s Advanced Jazz Piano course says growing up in Kentucky and singing in the church helped him develop an emphasis on teaching students that the best way to understand music is not just to study it, but to dance, clap, and sing to it.
Drop Nineteens Return to the Road 30 Years Later
Steve Zimmerman has been Berklee Online’s Director of User Experience for more than 15 years. Before that he was a founding member of Boston shoegaze legends Drop Nineteens, a band he is happily reuniting with for a tour next month after a decades-long hiatus.
Pianist Matt Rollings: How to Be a Session Musician People Want to Hire
Grammy-winning producer, pianist, and songwriter Matt Rollings shares what it takes to be a successful session musician, including what to charge and when to say yes or no to a project. He also shares how his recording career took off after he said yes to a young Lyle Lovett.
