In this course, Tonya Butler, .D., LL.M. covers mechanical income, public performance income, licenses, PROs, publishers, record labels, and other topics pertaining to music copyrights. I particularly enjoyed the guest lectures from David Israelite and Madison Norris, among others. The well-produced lectures made the material easier to understand; I would recommend this class to anyone who wants a basic understanding of how copyrightable works can generate income.
How to Make Money with Your Music Copyrights

If you want to learn how to make a living with your music, this is the course for you. How to Make Money with Your Music Copyrights will provide an overview of basic copyright principles and their relationship to music publishing as well as the primary revenue streams available to independent songwriters and artists. Taught by the experienced entertainment attorney and record label executive turned Berklee instructor, Professor Tonya Butler J.D., LL.M., you will learn how to utilize the different copyrights available in the US copyright law for musical works in order to access the four primary revenue streams. You will start by learning the basics of US copyright law and the difference between a musical work and a sound recording. Then, you will learn about the four primary revenue streams and hear from industry professionals and their tips on achieving success in the music industry. Finally, you will learn how music artists can make money as the owners of their own sound recordings. By the end of this course, you will have a better understanding of the different ways and the various organizations that can help you get paid for your music.
Status: Performing Arts
Status: Registration
IntermediateCourse7 hours

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Sam McGuire
5.0
Reviewed Jan 1, 2024Deleted Account
5.0
Reviewed Nov 13, 2023wonderful a lesson that is a must to take hands down (she did her thang period) I honestly don't believe that it could get any better than this (she topped the ground) in this all around the board, thank you and I honestly look forward to learning more hands down and allowing my family and friends and and body else who is willing to learn period (thank you again) from Mr. Christopher Harrison AKA Carleno.
Arlene Bourne
5.0
Reviewed Feb 11, 2025The course was very enlightening and informative, and I definitely derived benefit from participating in it. The main tutor was very animated and expressive, which made the course more engaging and easier to grasp.
Andre Junqueira
5.0
Reviewed Nov 6, 2023Incredible how easy the myths of copyright and make money with your music are explained in this course! Congratulations and many thanks to the professor and Berklee for it.
Wedagamage Pradeep Budhhika Roshan
5.0
Reviewed May 1, 2024A great teacher and the industry resource persons teach the concepts, definitions and practical implications concisely.
Nick Pena
5.0
Reviewed Oct 12, 2024Very well and clearly communicated information.
Adrian Fülöp
5.0
Reviewed Jul 23, 2025Loved it! I learned so many new things!
DAVIES ANDERS AGUIRRE BLAS
5.0
Reviewed Aug 30, 2024a full updated and complete course
TAY HIT
5.0
Reviewed Sep 10, 2024great way to exercise your brain
Raksmey Ek
5.0
Reviewed Jan 11, 2025opening my eyes to new ideas
Stratman Ax
5.0
Reviewed May 14, 2024Very informative.
Michael Essiam Krampah
5.0
Reviewed Jan 2, 2025Great
Azeddine Hamoudan
5.0
Reviewed Feb 24, 2026good
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