Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Meet Graduates from Berklees Class of 2026

07/05/2026

Meet Graduates from Berklees Class of 2026 Members of this years graduating class reflect on their proudest moments at Berklee and look ahead to whats next.

May 7, 2026

By

Editorial Staff

Image by Dave Green

This weekend Berklee celebrates its latest class of graduates from Berklee College of Music, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, and Berklee Online.

On May 9, in ceremonies held at Agganis Arena and the Berklee Performance Center, more than 1,400 graduates from 60 countries and all 50 US states will walk across the stage and enter into an exciting new phase in their artistic and professional lives.

In honor of this achievement, we asked a few of these students to reflect on their time at Berklee and look ahead to whats next for them. Here are their stories.

Image courtesy of Audrey Curdo

Audrey CurdoHometown: Wilmington, Massachusetts

Boston Conservatory at Berklee Major: Musical Theater, Dance Emphasis

What project or performance during your time at Berklee are you most proud of, and how does it connect to what you've learned here?I was an active member of Boston Conservatory's Tap Club, where I found both a strong sense of community and meaningful creative growth. One of my most memorable experiences was performing in the annual Tap Showcase, which was also my very first performance at the Conservatory as a freshman. That moment connected me with an incredible network of peers across all class years and varying majors, including amazing collaborations with Berklee College of Music musicians, and it inspired me to become more deeply involved in the club.

In the years that followed, I took on increasing leadership within the club. As a sophomore, I served as social media and marketing manager while also choreographing and performing. In my junior year, I stepped into the role of head choreographer, continuing to perform while helping shape the overall production.

As a senior, I was honored to take on the role of copresident alongside my best friend, Sophie Shaw. I've had the opportunity to direct, produce, choreograph, and perform in this spectacular showcase. Bringing this year's production to life was both ambitious and demanding, but ultimately one of the most rewarding experiences of my time at Berklee.

What are your short- and long-term plans, post-graduation?This summer, I'm thrilled to be working at The Muny in their production of Hairspray, where I'll be playing Lou Ann. It's an incredible opportunity, and Im so excited to be part of such a joyful and iconic show.

In the fall, I'll be moving to New York City to pursue a career in musical theater. I plan to audition for national tours, regional theaters, and Broadway, and to give this next chapter everything I have. While performing on Broadway is my ultimate goal, I'm just as excited to see where this path leads. I'm deeply grateful to the faculty at Boston Conservatory for their guidance and training, which has prepared me so well for whats ahead.

Follow Audrey on Instagram or visit her website.

Image by Emily Adie

Jonathan MotesHometown: Plymouth, Minnesota

Boston Conservatory at Berklee Major: Voice Performance

What project or performance during your time at Berklee are you most proud of, and how does it connect to what you've learned here?My performance as Goloud in Debussy's Impressions de Pell as sticks out to me because at the beginning of the learning process, it felt like an impossible project to conquer. Not only was it tons of music in my least comfortable language (French), it was a completely unique style to anything else I'd ever performed. The reason I'm so proud of my performance was that I put in the work every single day to make it happen, and it paid off. It's an incredible feeling to overcome something that you once thought was impossible. I learned that I can do anything that I set my mind to, and that French isn't so bad.

What are your short- and long-term plans, post-graduation?In the short term, I'll be teaching voice lessons at Boston Conservatory at Berklee's Vocal/Choral Intensive summer program for the second year in a row, as well as auditioning for local opera and musical theater companies, and professional choirs. My long-term plan is to apply for and earn a Doctor of Musical Arts, the ultimate dream being a dual career of teaching voice and performing.

Follow Jonathan on Instagram.

Image courtesy of Beno Garcia

Beno GarciaHometown: Miami, Florida

Berklee College of Music Major: Independent Recording and Production

What project or performance during your time at Berklee are you most proud of, and how does it connect to what you've learned here?My most recent performance at Roadrunner opening up for Malcom Todd. It felt very full circle for my team and me. From playing at the Church Park rooftop our first year in Boston to a sold-out Roadrunner two years later. Very rewarding to see the progress.

What are your short- and long-term plans, post-graduation?I am very exited to have been selected by the Berklee Popular Music Institute (BPMI) to play Lollapalooza this summer in Chicago. I will be moving to New York to begin working on my first project.

Visit Benos website.

Image courtesy of Carson Zuck

Carson ZuckHometown: Naples, Florida

Boston Conservatory at Berklee Major: Composition

Minor: Screen Scoring

What project or performance during your time at Berklee are you most proud of, and how does it connect to what you've learned here?I am most proud of the Crossroads Collaboration between the College and Conservatory at Power Station at Berklee NYC. As both a composition student at the Conservatory and a screen scoring student at the College, this opportunity was the pinnacle of every aspect of my craft I have studied: score preparation, theory, orchestration, session management, rehearsal
LINK: https://www.berklee.edu/berklee-now/news/meet-graduates-from-berklees-...
See more stories from berklee

More from Berklee

07/05/2026

Meet Graduates from Berklees Class of 2026

Meet Graduates from Berklees Class of 2026 Members of this years graduating class reflect on their proudest moments at Berklee and look ahead to whats next. ...

06/05/2026

Val Jeanty Receives 2026 Doris Duke Artist Award

Val Jeanty Receives 2026 Doris Duke Artist Award Jeanty, a composer, percussionist, and turntablist, is the fourth Berklee recipient of the prestigious award ...

04/05/2026

Student Spotlight: Joshua Griffin

Student Spotlight: Joshua Griffin The New Orleans native, who was named the 2026 student commencement speaker for Boston Conservatory at Berklee, talks about ...

01/05/2026

Berklee Partners with Santander US to Establish Global Opportunity Fund

Berklee Partners with Santander US to Establish Global Opportunity Fund The $400,000 grant offers students access to experiential learning opportunities withi...

01/05/2026

Student Spotlight: Keziah Thomas

Student Spotlight: Keziah Thomas The Indian composer, who was named the 2026 student commencement speaker for Berklee College of Music, talks about how shes p...

30/04/2026

Student Spotlight: Matthew Leon

Student Spotlight: Matthew Leon The dual major shares his path from community college to Berklee, and how his heritage influences his work. April 29, 2026 B...

30/04/2026

Berklee Artists to Perform at Major Global Music Festivals

Berklee Artists to Perform at Major Global Music Festivals As part of the Berklee Popular Music Institute, students will perform at Lollapalooza, Governors Ba...

29/04/2026

Student Spotlight: Alan Catz

Student Spotlight: Alan Catz The Argentine film and game composer talks about working on League of Legends, receiving Berklee's BMI Award, and the lifelon...

29/04/2026

Jay Jennings Builds the Worlds You Hear on Screen

Jay Jennings Builds the Worlds You Hear on Screen The supervising sound designer behind A Minecraft Movie, The Meg, Letters from Iwo Jima, and dozens of other...

25/04/2026

Berklee Africana Studies Hosts Gospel Extravaganza 2026

Berklee Africana Studies Hosts Gospel Extravaganza 2026 The Signature Series event will honor three new inductees to the Berklee Gospel Hall of Fame and celeb...

25/04/2026

Student Spotlight: Siva

Student Spotlight: Siva Maja Gierszewska, who performs under the artist name Siva, shares how she found her songwriting confidence at Berklee. April 24, 2026...

17/04/2026

What Makes a Good Marathon Running Playlist?

What Makes a Good Marathon Running Playlist? We asked Xander Dawson, an eighth-semester saxophone major at Boston Conservatory running the Boston Marathon thi...

17/04/2026

Beth Morrison and Moses Pendleton to be Honored at Boston Conservatory at Berklee's Commencement Ceremony

Beth Morrison and Moses Pendleton to be Honored at Boston Conservatory at Berkle...

17/04/2026

Jacob Collier, Jill Scott, and Vinnie Colaiuta to Receive Honorary Doctorates at Berklee College of Music's 2026 Commencement

Jacob Collier, Jill Scott, and Vinnie Colaiuta to Receive Honorary Doctorates at...

16/04/2026

Berklee's First Homecoming Brings Global Alumni to Boston for a Block Party Celebration

Berklee's First Homecoming Brings Global Alumni to Boston for a Block Party ...

15/04/2026

Arooj Aftab Makes the Music She Wants to Hear

Arooj Aftab Makes the Music She Wants to Hear The singular artist explores the juxtaposition of grief and joy, dark and light, in her distinctive sound. Apri...

15/04/2026

This 24-Hour Performance Art Piece Needs Your Participation

This 24-Hour Performance Art Piece Needs Your Participation Keefer Glenshaws latest project is about collaborating with the Berklee community and beyond. Apr...

14/04/2026

Berklee Celebrates Prince's Legacy in Two-Night Signature Series Event

Berklee Celebrates Prince's Legacy in Two-Night Signature Series Event Directed by Tia Fuller, the Prince Project brings together more than 80 student and...

14/04/2026

Arooj Aftab Is Anything but Predictable

Arooj Aftab Is Anything but Predictable The singular artist explores the juxtaposition of grief and joy, dark and light, in her distinctive sound. April 14, ...

14/04/2026

Living in Boston: A Guide for Incoming Boston Conservatory Students

Living in Boston: A Guide for Incoming Boston Conservatory Students From navigating the T to balancing school with professional gigs, a current student shar...

14/04/2026

Just What Is Genre These Days, Anyway?

Just What Is Genre These Days, Anyway? Understanding the business and art of genre-bending in 2026. April 13, 2026 By Bryan Parys Illustration by Jack Fla...

14/04/2026

Lenora Helm Hammonds Is Turning Passion Into Plan A

Lenora Helm Hammonds Is Turning Passion Into Plan A The dean of the Professional Education Division has seen the industry from all sides. Now shes bringing it...

14/04/2026

How Michelle Zalabak Found Her Dream Career in Music and Finance

How Michelle Zalabak Found Her Dream Career in Music and Finance The Warner Music Group deal analysis manager helps determine what artist catalogs are worth a...

13/04/2026

How Mei Semones Built Her Sound from J-Pop, Jazz, and Bilingual Songwriting

How Mei Semones Built Her Sound from J-Pop, Jazz, and Bilingual Songwriting The indie-pop artist combines agile guitar lines, rhythmic shifts, and lyrics that...

13/04/2026

Cue the Change: Jonathon Heyward Is Making Classical Music More Relatable

Cue the Change: Jonathon Heyward Is Making Classical Music More Relatable Nicknamed the Converse Conductor, the Boston Conservatory alum holds top conductin...

13/04/2026

Heat Wave: Inside Miamis Sizzling, Boundary-Blurring Latin Music Scene

Heat Wave: Inside Miamis Sizzling, Boundary-Blurring Latin Music Scene In a city shaped by migration and exchange, Berklee alumni are helping drive a Latin mu...

12/04/2026

Like and Transcribe

Like and Transcribe Mei Semones BM '22 blends languages and techniques to create her singular style. April 10, 2026 By Bryan Parys Mei Semones BM '...

12/04/2026

Cue the Change

Cue the Change Nicknamed the Converse Conductor, Jonathon Heyward BM '14 is making classical music more relatable. April 10, 2026 By Sarah Godcher Murp...

12/04/2026

Heat Wave

Heat Wave Inside Miamis sizzling, boundary-blurring Latin music scene. April 13, 2026 By Ricardo Herrera Bandrich Image by Stella Levi Down there: Thats ...

11/04/2026

How to Stream Coachella 2026 at Home

How to Stream Coachella 2026 at Home Check this years stacked schedule for the annual music festivals full lineup, including when Berklee artists from Laufey ...

11/04/2026

Time Travel

Time Travel As Berklee on the Road programs in Puerto Rico and Italy mark decades-long anniversaries, we journey into the past and step into the future. Apri...

07/04/2026

Berklee Students to Honor George Martin with Performance of Original Scores

Berklee Students to Honor George Martin with Performance of Original Scores The orchestra, led by associate professor Xander Rovang, will perform several work...

03/04/2026

For Taku Hirano, Everything Is Connected

For Taku Hirano, Everything Is Connected From touring and composition to teaching and instrument design, the in-demand percussionist sees it all as one body o...

03/04/2026

Berklee Honors Humberto Ramirez with Master of Latin Music Award

Berklee Honors Humberto Ramirez with Master of Latin Music Award The alumnus and acclaimed trumpeter is honored for his influence as a performer, composer, an...

02/04/2026

Student Spotlight: Al-Fadl Salem

Student Spotlight: Al-Fadl Salem The Danish singer recently performed for the queen of Denmark. April 1, 2026 By Editorial Staff Image by Junia Morrow Wh...

02/04/2026

Taku Hirano's Career Is Defined by Identity

Taku Hirano's Career Is Defined by Identity Whether he's performing, composing, teaching, or developing instruments, the do-it-all percussionist sees ...

01/04/2026

Victoria Mont Brings the Multi-Hyphenate Mindset to Career Jam 2026

Victoria Mon t Brings the Multi-Hyphenate Mindset to Career Jam 2026 The Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer shared how versatility and self-inves...

31/03/2026

Berklee India Exchange Presents Anirudh Varma Collective

Berklee India Exchange Presents Anirudh Varma Collective The collective will present a workshop on Hindustani classical music and a concert in collaboration w...

27/03/2026

Berklee Alums Bring GIANT to Broadway

Berklee Alums Bring GIANT to Broadway Brian and Dayna Lee BM '13 met and fell in love at Berklee, and now their production companys first Broadway debut i...

26/03/2026

Boston Conservatory to Present New England and Collegiate Premiere of Groundbreaking Opera Time to Act

Boston Conservatory to Present New England and Collegiate Premiere of Groundbrea...

19/03/2026

Berklee Popular Music Institute's 24th Showcase Channels '80s Prom Nostalgia

Berklee Popular Music Institute's 24th Showcase Channels '80s Prom Nosta...

19/03/2026

How Chris Bolte Builds the Sound of PlayStation Games

How Chris Bolte Builds the Sound of PlayStation Games Chris Bolte '16 is a technical sound designer at Sucker Punch Productions, where he helps create the...

18/03/2026

Boston Conservatory Presents Celebrated Musical Satire Urinetown

Boston Conservatory Presents Celebrated Musical Satire Urinetown Performances for this Center Stage production will take place at Boston Conservatory Theater ...

18/03/2026

Charlie Puth Joins Switched On Pop at Berklee NYC

Charlie Puth Joins Switched on Pop at Berklee NYC The Berklee alum spoke with host and Berklee NYC professor Charlie Harding for a live taping, answering audi...

17/03/2026

Berklee City Music Stewards META Fellowship Supporting Massachusetts Music Educators

Berklee City Music Stewards META Fellowship Supporting Massachusetts Music Educa...

13/03/2026

New Music USA and Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice Announce 2026 Next Jazz Legacy Cohort

New Music USA and Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice Announce 2026 Nex...

12/03/2026

Boston Conservatory to Timothe Chalamet: We Care About Ballet and Opera

Boston Conservatory to Timoth e Chalamet: We Care About Ballet and Opera Boston Conservatory at Berklee students and faculty respond to the actors recent comm...

11/03/2026

Richard Bona Joins Berklee for Signature Series Concert

Richard Bona Joins Berklee for Signature Series Concert The Grammy-winning Cameroonian bassist and vocalist collaborates with students and faculty in a progra...

28/02/2026

Berklee Presents Mambo Mania: Eguie Castrillo and the Berklee All-Stars Big Band's Tribute to Eddie Palmieri

Berklee Presents Mambo Mania: Eguie Castrillo and the Berklee All-Stars Big Band...

28/02/2026

Berklee Announces Two New Summer Programs in Los Angeles

Berklee Announces Two New Summer Programs in Los Angeles The Berklee Music Business Program and Electronic Music Production and Sound Design Workshop bring imme...