
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 Michelle Parkos
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, rehea
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