Tonya Butler

Professor Tonya Butler serves as Chair of the Music Business/Management Department at Berklee College of Music, becoming the first woman and first person of color to lead this department in its 30-year history. With over 14 years as an entertainment attorney and record label executive complemented by 16 years of undergraduate and graduate teaching experience, she bridges industry practice with academic rigor.

Her educational background includes:

• Juris Doctor (JD), California Western School of Law, 1997
• Master of Laws in Entertainment and Media, Southwestern University School of Law/Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, England, 2003

Professor Butler's expertise centers on demystifying the music industry through practical frameworks. Her work explores entertainment law applications, sustainable career pathways for musicians, and systemic challenges in music business ecosystems. She emphasizes actionable knowledge through her self-published guide 'The Music Business Is Corrupt, or Maybe You Just Can't Sing?' and the weekly 'B.O.M.B. (Business of Music Bootcamp)' podcast, which dissect contractual negotiations, revenue streams, and ethical dilemmas in modern music commerce.

Professional recognition includes:

• Third Place, Toastmasters International Speech Contest, District 6, 2017
• First Place, Toastmasters Humorous Speech Contest, District 6, 2015

While specific advising details aren't enumerated, her 16-year teaching tenure demonstrates deep commitment to student mentorship. As department chair, she shapes curriculum integrating real-world industry dynamics, stressing that Berklee faculty 'don't just study the music business, they practice it every single day' while nurturing both artistic development and financial sustainability for musicians.