A chain of Puget Sound music shops first founded in Pierce County nearly 60 years ago has been acquired by an out-of-town music retailer.

Music & Arts, a Federick, Md.-based retailer offering music instruments and lessons, has purchased seven Music Center stores in the Puget Sound region, including three Pierce County stores: Plaza II Music Center and Hi Ho Music Center in Puyallup, and Lakewood Music Center in Lakewood. The deal also includes the purchase of South Sound Music Center in Lacey; West Campus Music Center in Federal Way; North Benson Music Center in Renton; and Westside Music Center in Olympia.

A Music & Arts spokesperson told the Tacoma Daily Index Wednesday the Highland Hill Music Center in Tacoma will close. The Index attempted to reach a local Music Center spokesperson for comment, but did not receive a response.

“We are thrilled to welcome Music Center customers to the Music & Arts family and to be expanding our footprint into Washington,” said Music & Arts CEO Kenny O’Brien. “We are committed to continuing to work with Music Center customers in the Tacoma area to provide them with uninterrupted, top-notch customer service as we continue to build on Music & Arts’ reputation of excellence in the coming months and years.”

Music Center’s roots in Pierce County date back to 1955, when it opened under the name Lakewood Music. It later changed its name as it expanded throughout the Puget Sound region. Music & Arts was founded in 1952 and has 128 retail locations in 23 states.