Business Details
Your Trusted Music Store in Ithaca, NY
Hickey's Music Center, founded in 1892, has been a trusted provider of musical instruments, accessories, and services for over 130 years. Our expertise spans instrument rentals, repairs, music lessons, and retail sales, catering to students, professionals, and institutions worldwide. With a full-service repair shop staffed by NAPBIRT-certified technicians, we ensure every instrument meets exacting standards.Our commitment to quality is reflected in our Peace of Mind Warranty and nationwide shipping, serving customers in all 50 states and internationally. We prioritize personalized service, offering expert guidance for rentals, repairs, and music education programs tailored to individual needs. As an industry leader, we combine historical expertise with modern solutions to support musical growth and excellence.
Services
Instrument Rentals
Music Repairs
Music Lessons
Instrument Sales
Custom Orders
Highlights and features
- We offer over 130 years of experience in music retail and services.
- Our on-site repair shop employs NAPBIRT-certified technicians for all instrument types.
- Peace of Mind Warranty covers all rental instruments with optional protection.
- Specialists in woodwinds, brass, strings, percussion, and electronics repairs.
- Nationwide shipping with competitive flat-rate pricing.
Associations and certifications
- NAPBIRT
Services
Instrument Rentals
Hickey's offers affordable instrument rentals for students and professionals. Our program includes a Peace of Mind Warranty, flexible terms, and discounts for future purchases. Rentals start at $16.99/month with on-site repair support and nationwide availability.
Music Repairs
Our NAPBIRT-certified technicians provide expert repairs for woodwinds, brass, strings, percussion, and electronics. Services include maintenance, restoration, and play-testing to ensure optimal performance. The in-house shop guarantees all work with timely turnaround.
Music Lessons
Hickey's offers year-round private music lessons in piano, voice, winds, brass, and strings. Taught by qualified instructors at our Ithaca studio, lessons cater to all skill levels with flexible scheduling and personalized curricula.
Instrument Sales
We sell new and used instruments, accessories, and sheet music. Our inventory includes brands like Bach, Conn, and Schilke, with competitive pricing and expert guidance for educators, students, and professionals.
Custom Orders
Hickey's accommodates special requests for print music, instruments, and accessories not listed online. Customers receive personalized assistance to locate items, with options for catalog-based ordering and direct inquiries.
People
Gary McCheyne
String & Brass Repair Technician
Master's degree holder with 30+ years of experience, specializing in string and brass repairs. Member of NAPBIRT and American Guild of Luthiers, serving clients nationwide.
Manuel Antonio Matta Baeza
Woodwind Repair Specialist
20+ years of experience in woodwind repairs, trained at Selmer-Paris. Former owner of Chile's first dedicated woodwind repair shop and NAPBIRT member.
Noah Stroka
Instrument Technician
AAS graduate in Band Instrument Repair from Minnesota State Southeast, specializing in bassoon repairs. Combines technical expertise with visual arts skills.
Kellen Ko
Flute Repair Apprentice
Ithaca College student apprenticing under Gary McCheyne. Focuses on flute repairs and music education, with active performance experience.
William Hurley
Bow Repair Specialist
Trained by bowmaker Geo Kloppel, specializing in violin and viola bow restoration. Performs with regional orchestras and teaches through the Community School of Music.
Questions
What rental instruments are available?
We offer woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion instruments with monthly rates starting at $16.99 and optional warranty coverage.
Do you repair electronic instruments?
Our technicians handle electronic instrument repairs alongside traditional band and orchestral instruments.
Are music lessons available online?
Currently, lessons are offered in-person at our Ithaca studio. Check for future virtual options.
How long does shipping take?
Most orders ship within 24 hours. Backordered items typically arrive within 10 days.
Do you accept international orders?
Yes, we ship globally via UPS and USPS with customs documentation assistance.
Can I return a trial purchase?
Trial periods allow returns within 10 days for most in-stock items, minus shipping costs.