Headquartered in Thailand with US operations in Ontario, California, Tycoon Percussion produces bells, bongos, cajons, castanets, claves, congas, djembes, maracas, shakers and more. It is the only hand percussion company that wholly owns and operates its manufacturing facility.

The two companies have worked together since June of 2012, when Hal Leonard began distributing a few dozen of Tycoon's bestsellers to select MI accounts.

In light of the Tycoon distribution expansion, Hal Leonard will be restructuring its sales staff, developing a new, dedicated group to handle drum and percussion accounts.

Doug Lady, Hal Leonard senior VP of sales, says:

"We're very honoured that they have appointed us as their exclusive distributors. We've known Tycoon for a few years and distributed parts of their catalogue, but now we'll be distributing their full line with hundreds of products from this highly regarded percussion manufacturer. We're pleased to be working with such a great family business. Tycoon is offering quality instruments at a great value price. "

Quincy Yu, Senior VP of Tycoon, says the copmany has always been very selective with their distribution partners:

"At Tycoon we need to be comfortable with the people we're working with. In this situation we're very fortunate because we truly believe that we couldn't have picked any better people."

As interest in hand percussion continues to grow, so does the need for such instruments in schools, churches, studios and on stage. Hal Leonard has been ramping up its publishing of instructional books and DVDs for hand percussion players, educators and drum circle facilitators.

According to Doug, dealers can now merchandise Tycoon instruments alongside Hal Leonard how-to titles, and they're even planning bundle packs to capitalize on the new partnership:

"This is a win-win for everyone involved, and a great way to reach a limitless new market of music enthusiasts."