Hal Leonard Signs Distribution Deal with Lauren Keiser Music Publishing
MILWAUKEE - A new deal grants Hal Leonard Corporation exclusive, worldwide distribution rights to the catalog of the newly formed Lauren Keiser Music Publishing company. Terms of the agreement were negotiated by Keiser and Hal Leonard Chairman and CEO Keith Mardak, and were not disclosed.
A 36-year music industry veteran, Keiser acquired the assets and music copyrights of MMB Music in St. Louis to form the foundation of his new company. This respected classical and educational catalog features concert music for orchestra, wind ensemble, opera, and chamber ensemble. Keiser will be actively pursuing additional acquisitions.
Hal Leonard will be responsible for the sales and distribution of the Keiser catalog throughout the world.
Keiser comments, "I've long respected the operations and people at Hal Leonard. I know my new company is in great hands backed by the support of Keith, (Hal Leonard President) Larry (Morton), and their wonderful team. I have always wanted to work with them, and now is the perfect opportunity to be with the largest music print publisher in the world."
Mardak says, "Lauren and I go back decades together. We're confident that his broad network of industry contacts will enable him to quickly expand his new venture, and we're looking forward to a mutually fruitful relationship."
About Lauren Keiser
After running other esteemed music publishers for decades, Lauren Keiser is currently the CEO and president of Lauren Keiser Music Publishing. He is also the president of the Music Publishers' Association of the United States. Keiser serves on the ASCAP Symphonic and Concert Committee, and on the board of the International Confederation of Music Publishers.
Keiser started his career in the music industry with Sam Ash in the late 1960s, working his way up to the position of educational director. He then worked for Alfred Publishing, and went on to helm Cherry Lane Music and Astor Music & Books. Most recently, he was with Carl Fischer, where he had worked since 1994, serving as president and CEO since 2003.
A graduate of Goddard College in Vermont, Keiser has edited hundreds of publications in the popular and concert music arena, in addition to creating his own compositions for chamber groups, wind ensemble and orchestra. A dedicated advocate of music education, he is one of the founders of the national celebration Music in Our Schools.