Musicians Institute (www.mi.edu) keyboard program alum, Kevin Hastings, has been touring and recording with pop sensation Rihanna for the past two years (joined last year by MI Voice grad Ashleigh Haney on background vocals). Following her Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration ("Umbrella" with Jay Z), Rihanna is currently completing a European tour before joining Kanye West's "Glow in the Dark" tour from April to June.
Kevin has also recently picked up endorsements from digital music equipment supplier M-Audio as well as Gibralter custom keyboard stands. Reflecting on his experience at MI, Kevin said,
"MI offers more than a profound musical education - it helps each student develop the personal skills they need to survive in today's music industry."
Another MI ongoing success story is the climb to stardom by MI vocal program alum Brooke White. Brooke stayed in the running for the title of American Idol as a finalist in the top eight
with her rendition of the Dolly Parton hit "Jolene."