SALXCO and XO 'Take Over' Berklee Class This Fall

Execs from the industry-leading management group and record label will join Berklee’s Trends and Special Topics course, connecting students with some of the biggest names in the music business.

September 15, 2021

Berklee is teaming up with SALXCO and XO, an industry-leading management group and record label, to present a music business course at the college this fall. Taught by Tonya Butler, chair of the Music Business/Management Department, the course, Trends and Special Topics, will bring executives from SALXCO and XO to Berklee for weekly discussions on topics ranging from publishing and music law to finance, artist management, philanthropy, and more. 

Representing artists such as the Weeknd (cofounder of XO), Doja Cat, Swedish House Mafia, Bebe Rexha, French Montana, Metro Boomin, and more, SALXCO and XO innovate across multiple aspects of the industry, including artist management, philanthropy, technology, label partnerships, and film, TV, and new media. 

We are deeply committed to giving back and sharing what we know, and to do so at such a prestigious college is such an honor.

—Wassim "Sal” Slaiby, founder/CEO, SALXCO/XO 

“Just like on Instagram, when an influencer temporarily takes over another account to create and share content on behalf of a brand, SALXCO and XO are taking over my Trends and Special Topics course this fall in order to bring the knowledge and wisdom of its executives to Berklee's music business/management students,” says Butler.

“This collaboration is more than just a series of talking heads; rather, these esteemed executives will participate in facilitated discussions with a group of seniors on how to turn the theory they learned throughout the music business program into practice, using real-time examples from some of the biggest names in the business.” 

Photo of Tonya Butler

Tonya Butler, chair of the Music Business/Management Department

More than a dozen executives from SALXCO and XO will attend classes both in person and virtually throughout the semester. Students will have the opportunity not only to learn from experts at the top of their game, but to apply what they have learned to Berklee artists, songwriters, and producers. The course will also provide a range of professional opportunities, such as networking, internships, and mentorship from various speakers following the semester-long course. 

“It’s a blessing and an important duty to share all we collectively know to help teach students who wish to pursue careers in our world. We are deeply committed to giving back and sharing what we know, and to do so at such a prestigious college is such an honor,” said Wassim "Sal" Slaiby, founder and CEO of SALXCO and XO. 

SALXCO and XO speakers will take part in the course each week, from Tuesday, September 14, through Wednesday, December 8.