Music publisher goes digital as online sales increase
One of the world’s leading wind and brass music publishing companies has converted its sheet music catalogue to a digital download service for consumers.
Warwick Music Publishing, which started in 1994 with a single piece by eminent British composer and trombonist, Gustav Holst, supplies quality brass and wind music to players, teachers and educators across the world. Their catalogue has since grown to include over 1,000 titles covering a variety of genres, styles and abilities and representing composers from across the globe, selling more than 200,000 pieces.
The publisher, whose composers include Mark Nightingale and Derek Bourgeois, has introduced a simple three-tier price band at £2.49, £4.99 and £9.99. In addition, to mark the change – which coincides with the launch of the new user-friendly website - Warwick Music Publishing is offering a 50% discount across the whole catalogue until July 31 using the LAUNCH50 discount code.
Steven Greenall, CEO of Warwick Music, said that it was the biggest change in the publisher’s 25 years. “Much of our catalogue has already been converted, and soon all 1,000 titles will be in digital format. Customers can view downloadable extracts of the music and sample scores, and each piece is accessible on our website with quick and easy payment facilities.
“Our team is driven by the desire to make the joy of music accessible and fun. We wanted to enhance our customers’ experience by responding to the change in consumer behaviour and the rise in digital streaming and downloads. The service we now provide is instant, environmentally friendly and convenient. Those wanting to print out music at home or in the band room, can tailor it to their precise requirements, or simply view their music on a screen or tablet.”
Warwick Music – which was set up by musicians for musicians - recognises that for certain parts of the industry printed sheet music is still important, so will continue to offer sheet music in printed form via its network of international music retailers listed on its website.
Julie Fews, Publishing Manager, at Warwick Music, said: “Only recently an overseas orchestra requested a piece of music from a composer who they had suddenly discovered was visiting them in less than an hour. They had the score in seconds, rehearsed and played it to him on his arrival. It was last minute – but that’s the advantage of digital. With this changeover we can extend this service to all our customers.”
Warwick Music Publishing is part of Warwick Music Group, which has recently been awarded The Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation, also manufactures market leading musical instruments pBone, pBone mini, pTrumpet, pCornet, pBuzz and pTrumpet hyTech. The new site is at warwickmusic.com
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