Hal Leonard Expands Joint-Publication Partnership with Schott Music
The partnership in German-speaking markets combines Hal Leonard’s rights portfolio with Schott Music’s distribution expertise to expand the reach of existing and newly developed songbooks.
London, June 16, 2026 – Hal Leonard, the world’s largest publisher of printed music and part of Muse Group, and Schott Music, one of the world’s leading music publishers headquartered in Mainz, Germany are deepening their long-standing collaboration by entering into a strategic publishing partnership for songbooks in German-speaking markets. The aim of the partnership is to further expand the range of popular songbooks in both print and digital formats and make them even more accessible.
As part of the partnership, the two companies will jointly publish the songbooks, including new editions of established titles as well as newly developed publications. The collaboration combines Hal Leonard’s exclusive print rights with Schott Music’s strong market position and proven expertise in supporting musicians, educators, and retail partners. Schott Music will take on exclusive distribution for these joint publications, ensuring optimum market penetration and expert local support.
Print and digital: joint publishing for German-speaking markets
The strategic partnership underscores both companies’ shared commitment to further promoting access to active music-making, sustainably supporting music education, and unlocking the potential of major catalogs for new target groups and markets.
Louise Unsworth, Global Head of Publishing Strategy and Partnerships at Hal Leonard / Muse Group, on the expanded collaboration:
“This strategic partnership reflects both companies’ shared commitment to expanding access to music-making and supporting music education, while maximising catalogue value and broadening the availability of repertoire for new audiences and markets.”
Nico Schellhammer, Head of Business Development at Schott Music, on the partnership:
“With the expanded partnership with Hal Leonard, we are combining complementary strengths: an exceptionally broad repertoire and excellent local market expertise. This allows us to bring songbooks to people in German-speaking markets in an even more targeted way – in high-quality print editions and increasingly in digital form as well.”
Popular series such as “Top 100 Hit Collection” and “Easy Charts” will continue, and new concepts for German-speaking markets will be developed. The first milestone of the expanded cooperation is the joint publication of Das Fetenbuch für Klaiver (ED 23953). The new volume in the successful series comes from bestselling author Sebastian Müller and contains 100 easy-to-play songs for voice and piano – ranging from pop and rock to German hits and folk. Designed for making music together across generations, the new volume seamlessly continues the success of the series and will be available from music retailers from mid-July.
Earlier this month, Muse Group announced the successful conclusion of Francisco Partners’ minority investment in the company, marking the next chapter in company’s growth. The two-year partnership saw Muse Group expand its global footprint and complete the transformational acquisition of Hal Leonard.
About Muse Group
Muse Group is a global leader in music education and technology, operating industry-leading brands including Ultimate Guitar, MuseScore, Hal Leonard, Audacity, Audio.com, and MuseHub. The company serves millions of musicians, learners, educators, creators, publishers, and audio professionals worldwide through digital platforms, music publishing, educational content, software and audio tools. Founded by Eugeny Naidenov, Muse Group is led by a team deeply rooted in music, technological innovation, and its loyal creator community.
About Hal Leonard Hal Leonard, which joined Muse Group in 2023, is the world leader in sheet music publishing and music education, enjoying a storied history of providing music learners with the very best arrangements of popular music for over 70 years. Hal Leonard also supplies books, instruments, gear, and software to millions of educators worldwide.
About Schott Music
Schott Music is one of the oldest and largest music publishers in the world. Headquartered in Mainz, with branches worldwide, Schott Music publishes works by leading composers and is a key partner for musicians, teachers and music lovers. Its catalogue includes sheet music, books, magazines and digital products for all genres and ensembles.
