Jennifer Hudson’s keyboardist Chadney Christle reflects on the unexpected acts of kindness that launched her touring career, the mentors who shaped her path, and how Berklee Online is helping her build a future as a film composer while continuing to perform on some of the world’s biggest stages.

Eight Berklee Online students have been recognized by iZotope, Sweetwater Sound, and Slate Digital for their excellence after earning their Masters in Music Production.

From music diplomacy in Kosovo to performing with Jon Batiste at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Bill Muter has built a career on connection. The Berklee Online student reflects on lifelong learning, authentic networking, and the lessons he’s learned on and off the stage.

Berklee’s 2026 Commencement is taking place on May 9, which is a big deal for most graduating students, but is an especially big deal for Berklee Online students, who will be traveling to Boston from around the world. We are sharing the stories of six members of the Class of 2026, who range in age, experience, and degree programs. However, what they all share is their desire to keep on achieving, and keep on learning. 

After graduating from Berklee Online’s Music Production master’s degree program in 2025, Dean Vitale and Todd Urban have reunited—this time as collaborators—on a new four-song EP titled Urban Sound Studio Presents “sir” Luminous and Todd Urban.

When Kristen Long wanted to develop her animated children’s music series, she realized she needed more than songwriting skills—she needed production mastery. The Royal Caribbean music director returned to Berklee (via Berklee Online) to build her own studio, earn her master’s degree, and expand her creative range without stepping away from work.

Cindy Shea didn’t just win Grammys with the Mariachi Divas—she built a label, launched a music academy, and survived a life-threatening stroke before enrolling at Berklee Online to sharpen the skills behind her success.

Think concert ticketing is broken? So does Berklee Online alum Josh Misko. In 2025 he co-founded Seatfun, a live event platform challenging everything that’s wrong with ticketing. And he did this all while earning his master’s degree in Music Production. The company recently closed a multi-million-dollar funding round and launched a new, invite-only app.

Singer-songwriter Shayna Steele discusses her storied music career (singing backup with Rihanna and Taylor Swift as well as starring in Hairspray and Rent) and studying at Berklee Online with friends Jordan Ballard and Kamilah Marshall.