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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
Retailers can reach out to sales@halleonard.com for more information.
London, UK, 16 October 2025 – Hal Leonard was proud to once again be the headline sponsor of the 2025 Youth Music Awards, marking the sixth consecutive year of support for this inspiring event. Taking place at the iconic Troxy in London, the Awards celebrated the trailblazing talent, projects, and leaders transforming the UK music scene today. The ceremony also marked a milestone, as Youth Music CEO Matt Griffiths stepped down after 13 years of leadership — a period in which he redefined the charity’s mission, expanded its reach across the UK, and launched the annual Youth Music Awards.
Centered on the call to arms "Rescue the Roots," the 2025 Awards spotlighted the funding crisis threatening grassroots youth music projects across the UK. The Awards served not only as a celebration of creativity, diversity, and resilience, but also as a rallying cry to safeguard the grassroots organizations at the heart of youth music culture.
With an incredible lineup of judges, including Tinie Tempah, I. JORDAN, Ellie Dixon, Jess Iszatt, Fee Mak, Jodie Bryant, and Maia Beth, alongside many other influential voices from across the industry, the stage was set for another unforgettable evening of recognition and discovery.
The 2025 Social Action Award
One of this year’s standout moments was Hal Leonard presenting the Social Action Award to Art Against Knives – THE LAB.
Launched in 2015 and co-designed with local young people, Art Against Knives – THE LAB transforms a community space into a pop-up music studio every Wednesday. It provides a safe and professional environment where young people can write, record, and produce music, while also receiving vital mentoring and support in personal development and conflict management. Beyond music-making, THE LAB creates opportunities for young people to showcase their work, make positive life choices, and access further pathways in the industry.
The other nominees, AudioActive, which continues to nurture talent across Sussex and beyond, and TiPP’s Rhythm & Renewal, supporting young people in youth justice services, were also recognized for their vital contributions to social impact through music. Hal Leonard congratulates Art Against Knives – THE LAB on their inspiring win and celebrates all nominees for their extraordinary impact in using music as a force for change!
Celebrating Social Change Through Music
Since becoming the headline sponsor of the Youth Music Awards in 2019, Hal Leonard has supported the recognition of remarkable projects and individuals driving social change through music. Past Social Action Award recipients have gone on to make significant contributions across the creative industries: Supermann on da beat (2024) continues to advocate for accessibility and representation for Disabled artists nationwide; Pembe Tokluhan (2022), founder of Petok Productions, created a groundbreaking database highlighting women, trans and non-binary professionals in backstage roles and has since toured internationally with Nile Rodgers and CHIC; while earlier winners such as Music Fusion (2021) and Cuttlefish Orchestra and Jack Drum Arts (2019) have expanded their community programmes, using music to empower young people and foster social change in their regions.
“The Youth Music Awards are always a powerful reminder of what happens when young people are given the chance to create. The artists and leaders we celebrate tonight are shaping the future of music at its roots. At a time when grassroots projects face a major funding crisis, showcasing their impact has never been more vital. The energy, talent and ambition in this room are proof of why these spaces matter. I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to all of tonight’s winners and the incredible artists who were shortlisted.” - Matt Griffiths, Youth Music CEO
“Hal Leonard Europe is proud to continue our partnership with Youth Music for the sixth year running. These Awards are a testament to the extraordinary creativity and resilience of young people across the UK. By supporting grassroots projects and NextGen talent, we’re helping to ensure that the future of music is diverse, inclusive, and thriving. Congratulations to all the incredible winners and nominees!” - Oliver Winstone, Head of Business Development, Hal Leonard Europe
For a full list of winners and more information, visit youthmusic.org.uk/awards.
About Youth Music:
Youth Music is the UK’s leading young people’s music charity. They believe that every young person should have the chance to make, learn, and earn in music and wider creativity. Yet research shows that many can’t because of who they are, where they’re from or what they’re going through. They leverage insights, investment, and influence to build a national grassroots infrastructure that ensures the future of music is more inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible. Youth Music is a national charity funded thanks to the National Lottery via Arts Council England, players of People’s Postcode Lottery and support from partners, fundraisers and donors.
youthmusic.org.uk
About Hal Leonard Europe:
Hal Leonard Europe companies are part of the Hal Leonard group of companies – the world’s largest source of music publications, representing many of the world’s best-known and most respected publishers, artists, songwriters, arrangers and instrument manufacturers. Hal Leonard Europe companies publish and distribute an extensive catalog of printed and digital publications, sheet music, music education resources, instruments, gifts, accessories, and pro audio in Europe and around the world. There are Hal Leonard Europe offices and distribution centres located in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and the United Kingdom.
halleonardeurope.com
Photo credit JACK OLIVER.
Hal Leonard is pleased to announce a new distribution partnership with Latin Percussion (LP), one of the world’s most recognized and respected names in hand percussion.
Effective immediately, Hal Leonard will serve as a U.S. distributor for LP’s complete product line, giving dealers across the country access to LP’s celebrated congas, bongos, timbales, accessories, and innovative percussion gear.
This agreement expands Hal Leonard’s robust percussion catalog, which already includes industry leaders such as Gibraltar Hardware, Remo Percussion, Paiste Cymbals, and SJC Drums. Dealers across the United States will now have access to LP’s full line of high-quality percussion instruments through Hal Leonard’s extensive distribution network.
“Latin Percussion is a cornerstone of rhythm culture around the globe, and we’re proud to add their legendary instruments to our distribution lineup,” said Donny Gruendler, Head of Strategic Partnerships – MI at Hal Leonard. “Their legacy of craftsmanship and sonic innovation perfectly complements the other premium percussion brands we offer.”
Founded in 1964, LP has long set the standard for excellence in Latin and world percussion. Its instruments have been featured on countless recordings and live performances, from traditional ensembles to cutting-edge hybrid setups. From classic congas and bongos to innovative accessories and hybrid gear, LP continues to lead the way in sound, quality, and innovation.
Retailers in the U.S. can begin ordering LP products through Hal Leonard now. For more information, contact sales@halleonard.com or visit our Dealer Access page to order today. View all products here.