Milwaukee-based Hal Leonard Corp., an educational music publisher, has acquired Mequon-based Schaum Publications.
Schaum, founded in 1959 by John W. Schaum, publishes educational piano scores. It has more than 700 titles in its library, including the best-selling Fingerpower line of educational piano products. John’s son, Wesley, has led Schaum Publications since 1989.
“We are grateful to be leaving our family’s business in the hands of another publisher that has the same respect for and dedication to music education as we have had,” said Wesley Schaum. “We’re certain the Hal Leonard team will take care of the Schaum brand and see it through for future generations of music teachers and students.”
Hal Leonard, which recently sold majority ownership to a California private equity firm, sells methods for learning a variety of instruments, including guitar, piano, and school music instruments. It has more than 200,000 titles in its catalogue and its products are sold in more than 65 countries. Hal Leonard has been in growth mode this year, also acquiring play-along company Music Minus One in May.
“We couldn’t be happier to welcome the Schaum catalog to our company,” said Larry Morton, president of Hal Leonard. “We are well aware of the legacy of John and Wesley Schaum and are honored they came to us. The fact that we’re both based out of the Milwaukee area just made the connection even more natural. We look forward to keeping the Schaum titles an active part of piano pedagogy moving forward.”
