Van Nuys-based Alfred Music Publishing turned 90 years old this year, but unlike other near-centenarians, it isn’t shying away from today’s digital world. The music education publisher, which employs about 125 workers in Van Nuys, is currently undergoing a digital revamp launched early last year. The company is reformatting its core educational titles into e-books. “We want to deliver the content however the consumers want to consume it,” Chief Operating Officer Bryan Bradley said, adding Alfred is about 10 percent through converting the titles it has targeted. “We have a team of people and that’s all they do.” Alfred has also switched its publishing techniques so when it publishing new titles a digital version is produced at the same time, Bradley said. Alfred Music Publishing, which has more than 90,000 active titles, was founded in 1922 in New York. Six years later the company was purchased by violinist Sam Manus — the grandfather of current CEO Ron Manus. Family-owned Alfred has been headquartered in Los Angeles since 1975. One big development this year for Alfred is the June 6th release of a non-music notation book — Abbey Road To Ziggy Stardust by Ken Scott and Bobby Owsinski. Scott was an engineer for The Beatles and co-produced David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust album. Long-time music industry veteran Owsinski has penned numerous titles, including The Ultimate Guitar Tone Handbook for Alfred. Although Alfred’s specialty is publishing instructional titles to help musicians learn their craft, its latest offering isn’t all that different, Bradley said. “Stories about what it’s like to be a producer and/or engineer on legendary albums can be an education in itself,” Bradley said. In honor of its 90th anniversary, Alfred has created a commemorative YouTube video and is holding several parties during industry trade shows throughout the year, including a bash that will be held in May at its Van Nuys headquarters. “We are celebrating all year long,” Bradley said. — Andrew Khouri
Music Publisher Celebrates 90 Years
