Long-time music publisher sings.

The continued rise in sales of its sheet music, instructional books and CD-ROMs is music to the ears of Alfred Publishing Co.

The Van Nuys-based publisher finds itself ranked seventh on the San Fernando Valley Business Journal's list of the 50 fastest growing private companies.

In 2005, the company had revenues of $52 million, or an increase of 60 percent from the previous year.

Alfred is owned and operated by the Manus family, with father Morty Manus as president, son Steven as chief executive officer and other son Ron as vice president of creative design.

Sam Manus, Morty's father, acquired the company in 1928 from Alfred Piantodosi, who founded the business in New York in 1922. In 1975, the Marius' moved Alfred to Van Nuys. Steven Manus turned down interview requests for this story.

From its headquarters and four overseas offices, Alfred has carved its niche by targeting music schools and music teachers throughout the country with products for students learning an instrument, music teachers, vocalists, and parents.

As old-fashioned as sheet music may be, the company has also embraced digital technology by offering downloads of its catalogues and instrumental music. The "Symphonic Suite from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" was recently the bestselling download at the company's website.

Acquisitions in recent years had the company expanding its offerings.

In 2003, Alfred acquired a 50 percent stake in Daisy Rock Guitars, makers of acoustic and electric guitars for girls and women.

Under a partnership agreement with Daisy Rock, Alfred has acquired part of the company and will, in turn, market the guitars through its network of 1,700 music dealers nationwide.

"We felt this was a niche market that could really benefit from our marketing," Vice President of Creative Development Ron Manus said of the Daisy Rock acquisition in a 2003 interview.

Also integral to the company's growth was the purchase in 2005 of Warner Bros. Publications, one of the world's largest publishers of printed music.

The deal gave Alfred the rights to publish and distribute Warner's broad stable of artists including Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, George and Ira Gershwin, Radiohead, Elton John, Green Day, Van Morrison, the Eagles and Michael Jackson.

In an interview at the time of the deal, Steven Manus called it a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"This instantly makes us a major player in the pop market," Steven Manus said. "We are very excited about the synergy of our two companies' strengths.

Alfred Publishing Company

No. 7 Fastest Growing Company Overall (60.47%)

By MARK R. MADLER

Staff Reporter