Serona Elton is an experienced music industry professional and educator. She is a full professor and Director/Chair of the
Music Industry Program/Department at the University of Miami Frost School of Music. She is also a Yamaha Master Educator.
Additionally, she serves as Head of Educational Partnerships for
The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC). In this role, Elton directs The MLC’s efforts to engage future members of the music industry currently studying music business and related subjects at colleges and universities across the country and around the world. Previously, Elton worked for Warner Music Group where she held the position of Vice President, Product Management, and EMI Recorded Music North America where she was Vice President, Mechanical Licensing and Repertoire Data Services. She has also provided consulting services to Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Zumba Fitness, and other music-related companies.
A respected expert, Elton has written numerous articles and book chapters about the music industry and is a co-author of the book
Music Business Handbook and Career Guide (13th edition). She is recognized by many for her extensive insight into licensing, royalties, and music industry processes and structures, and has contributed to news stories for NPR’s Marketplace, CNN.com, Billboard, and other outlets. She was awarded the first-ever Music Business Educator of the Year
Bizzy Award by the Music Business Association in 2023.
