Mondo.NYC Speaker
Serona Elton
Head of Educational Partnerships, The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC)
Serona Elton 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.
With extensive experience as a music industry professional and educator, she is also a full professor and Director of the Music Industry Program at the University of Miami Frost School of Music. She is also a Yamaha Master Educator. 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.
Elton serves on the Promoting Peace, Education, and Cultural Exchange (PEACE) Through Music Award Committee, which is part of the U.S. Department of State’s Global Music Diplomacy Initiative. She is also a council member on the College Music Society's Council on Music Business-Industry and serves as a Director-at-Large on the American Musicological Society Board of Directors. Previously, she has served as president of the Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association (MEIEA), a trustee of the Copyright Society, chair of the Florida Bar Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law Section, and a governor on the Recording Academy, Florida Chapter, Board of Governors. She is also an alumnus of the Nashville-based Leadership Music program, and a licensed attorney in New York and Florida. Elton holds a B.S.B.A. in Finance from the University of Florida, an M.M. in Music Industry from the University of Miami, and a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School. Elton resides in South Florida.
Streaming State of Affairs: Opportunity, Security & Fraud
10/18/24, 2:00 PM
We'll take a close look at the opportunities and challenges of the current streaming environment, specifically policy, compensation models, interoperable playlists, TikTok, AI flooding and more. This panel also examines streaming fraud, content/cyber security, tech systems/protections and guidance for IP owners.
Data Unbound: Unlocking Creative Potential through Transparency and Data Tools
10/12/23, 7:00 PM
In today's rapidly evolving music industry landscape, the intersection of data and creativity has become a powerful force, influencing how artists, songwriters and other creatives approach their craft and take control of their revenue streams. This panel is an engaging discussion that explores the role of transparency in unlocking the creative potential of individuals and industries alike, while maximizing revenue streams.
Join representatives from the Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) and PRS for Music as they explore the transformative impact of industry wide efforts towards transparency and accountability. This panel will dive into the history of the notorious “black box” and unveil the measures being taken to illuminate and eliminate it. Discover how initiatives are revolutionizing the industry, opening doors to improved licensing and payment practices and how creatives can utilize helpful tools at their fingertips.
CLE: Policy Shifts and their Ripple Effects
10/14/22, 2:00 PM
In the past year there were a number of significant developments to music-related policies and commercial standards. Why do these changes matter and what will be their economic and business impact? This panel will analyze these recent developments and their potential effects on monetization, legal agreements, and business practices. Topics will include the increase in the statutory mechanical royalty rate, the Free Artists from Industry Restrictions bill pending in California, the implementation of Article 17 in Europe, the proposed SMART Act, major labels forgiving unrecouped royalty balances for legacy artists, and BMG's removal of controlled composition clauses. (Mondo attendees are welcome to attend all CLE panels.)