Thomas Ferreira, a 17-year-old drummer whose artist name is Thomas Thunder, talks about his accelerated musical journey, from graduating high school early and studying at Berklee Online, to collaborating with rock legends from the supergroup Sons of Apollo—and he’s just getting started.

On May 10, more than 200 members of Berklee Online’s class of 2025 will come together in Boston to take part in this year’s Commencement ceremony. This moment celebrates not only the completion of their bachelor’s programs, but also the connections they’ve built, the obstacles they’ve overcome, and the music and meaning they’ve created along the way. We’re shining a spotlight on five standout graduates whose stories exemplify where determination can take you.

Broadway performer, Taylor Swift touring vocalist, and Berklee Online alum Kamilah Marshall will give the 2025 Berklee Onsite keynote address on May 30, 2025.

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.

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.

Adriana Balic has been a member of P!NK’s band since 2003. In this Q&A, she talks about what it’s like to write a course about live keyboard performance while simultaneously performing for thousands of P!NK fans across the globe.

After sustaining severe injuries during his service, retired Marine Corporal Tim Donley found solace in music. He formed a band with fellow veterans, transforming shared challenges into powerful performances. To enhance his vocal abilities, Donley enrolled in Berklee Online’s Voice Technique 101 course.

Berklee Online instructor Scarlet Keys is leading The Songwriting of Taylor Swift, a four-week course that serves as a bite-size online version of the popular course she teaches at the Berklee College of Music campus in Boston. Learn what particular Tay-Tay songwriting tricks Scarlet appreciates most.

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.