Hal Leonard, the world leader in sheet music publishing and music education, is revitalizing musical instrument (MI) distribution with a new, data-driven growth model that combines physical distribution with digital marketing and actionable insights. The company, with over three decades of MI distribution experience in the U.S. and Europe, is unveiling a more focused distribution model, centered around a core of respected household brands with clear growth potential. These core brands, including iconic brands Solid State Logic (SSL) and Latin Percussion (LP), represent the first wave of partners in this focused approach, with further announcements planned.
The new model is built on four main pillars:
- Hal Leonard’s decades of retail partnerships, e-commerce growth, and established music education network
- The world’s biggest platforms for musicians, Ultimate Guitar and MuseScore, which reach more than 400 million creators worldwide, revealing the habits of music makers and providing actionable data
- Analytics-first operations, including forecasting, SKU optimization, MAP enforcement, compliance, logistics, and sell-through analytics
- A highly-focused core-brand approach, with more resources dedicated to partnerships selected for their product quality, reputation and relevance for musicians.
The ultimate mission will help relevant products reach musicians and integrate directly into their creative workflows. This refreshed model focuses on data-backed demand, cultural relevance, and scalable categories.
One of the first brands to join under this approach is Solid State Logic (SSL), the iconic, industry-standard company for professional studio consoles and audio technology. The partnership covers SSL’s desktop and project-studio gear (SSL2/2+, SiX, Big Six, UF8, and selected 500-series modules), together with Slate Digital plugins and Harrison’s Mixbus DAW and education bundles.
Distribution will start in the US through Hal Leonard’s MI network, with expansion to other regions under review. With added support in marketing, training, MAP enforcement, and digital licensing, SSL is positioned to grow its reach beyond the pro audio segment.
Latin Percussion, the leader in global rhythm instruments, also joined the distribution roster this August. Together these partnerships show how the refreshed model is already taking shape, with further announcements planned in the coming months.
The relaunched MI business is led by Donny Gruendler, Head of Strategic Partnerships, and Jeff Wadulack, Head of B2B Sales Growth. Gruendler is a musician and educator with extensive experience in MI and EdTech, including leadership roles at Guitar Center and Music & Arts as well as at Musicians Institute. Wadulack brings more than 25 years of sales leadership across SaaS, healthcare, advertising, financial services, and edtech.
“SSL is excited to partner with Hal Leonard and Muse Group to expand our reach to the next generation of creators and educators. By combining our industry-leading consoles and desktop products with Slate Digital’s subscription tools and Harrison’s DAW solutions, we are making professional-grade technology more accessible than ever before. This partnership allows us to grow in both hardware and software while ensuring creators worldwide have the tools they need to make their best music.” — Rick Naqvi, Senior Vice President, Sales, Solid State Logic
“At Hal Leonard and Muse, our mission is to make world-class music tools accessible to every creator, from students in the classroom to professionals in the studio. Partnering with SSL, Slate Digital, and Harrison allows us to bring legendary hardware, cutting-edge plugins, and innovative DAWs into a single, integrated distribution platform. This collaboration not only expands our portfolio, it demonstrates how our aggregator model can unite hardware, software, and education to drive growth for the entire MI ecosystem.” — Donny Gruendler, Head of Strategic Partnerships, MI, Hal Leonard / Muse Group
