A Beautiful Harmony

“It is my plan to build a school of music second to none in the excellence of its faculty, the soundness of its educational ideals, and the superior quality of instruction.” 

WILLIAM GRANT EGBERT, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, ITHACA COLLEGE (1892–1924)
two people stand on the steps of the Ithaca Conservatory of Music building in this black and white historical photo

In 1892, a music conservatory and a music store opened in downtown Ithaca, New York. Together, they supported the students and musicians in Ithaca, and to this day they thrive in an enduring partnership.

The story of Ithaca College and Hickey’s Music Center is an illustrious one. In 1892, William Grant Egbert established the Ithaca Conservatory of Music. Egbert was first a violinist, with a mission to play violin and teach music in Ithaca, his beloved town. The Ithaca Conservatory of Music eventually became the Ithaca College we all know.

At the same time in 1892, an inspiring entrepreneur, J. F. Hickey opened J. F. Hickey’s Music Store (now Hickey’s Music Center) in downtown Ithaca, specializing in selling mandolins, banjos, sheet music, and accessories.

The students and faculty of the music conservatory needed supplies and J. F. Hickey’s Music Store had them. Likewise, Hickey’s needed a community of gifted musicians. And thus, Ithaca College and Hickey’s Music Center have evolved side by side in a 134-year-old partnership that continues today.

“The main correlation between Ithaca College and Hickey’s is such that when people go to teach out in the world, they remember Hickey’s, so they come back.” 

CHUCK DEPAOLO ’88, CO-OWNER, HICKEY’S MUSIC CENTER

When Ithaca College students need to buy instruments, accessories, or music, they go to Hickey’s Music Center. Hickey’s sends deliveries to campus every week, and Chuck DePaolo ’88, co-owner of Hickey’s and an Ithaca College alumnus, also brings new music and supplies to the college’s library. Dozens of students have staffed the downtown store, which has become a renowned resource for musicians all over the world.

Perhaps most profoundly, this partnership continues with students after graduation. As Ithaca College alumni go on to build careers and passions in music, they often come back to Hickey’s via online and in-person sales, relying on trusted partners to support their work in the world.