Business Details
Your Trusted Source for Musical Instruments & Music Lessons in Ithaca, NY
Hickey's Music Center has been a cornerstone of musical excellence since 1892, dedicated to nurturing musical growth through comprehensive services. Our expertise spans instrument rentals, repairs, and sales, alongside personalized music instruction for all skill levels. With a legacy of over 130 years, we combine historical tradition with modern innovation to serve local and global communities. Our in-house repair shop, staffed by specialists in woodwinds, brass, strings, and electronics, ensures instruments receive meticulous care. We prioritize customer satisfaction through flexible rental plans, including our Peace of Mind Warranty, and competitive pricing tailored to educational needs.As a trusted resource for NYSSMA and competition music, we maintain extensive catalogs to support musicians' evolving requirements. Our commitment to quality extends to stocking premium instrument cases from Marcus Bonna and offering electronic gift cards for convenient gifting. Located in Ithaca, NY, we blend small-town service with nationwide reach, operating both physical and online stores to accommodate diverse customer needs. Through Hickey's Rock School and private lesson programs, we foster musical education in traditional and contemporary formats. This enduring dedication to musical communities has solidified our reputation as a leader in the industry.
Services
Instrument Rentals
Music Lessons
Instrument Repairs
Sheet Music Sales
Case Sales
Highlights and features
- We have over 130 years of experience serving musical communities.
- Our in-house repair shop employs specialists for all instrument types.
- We offer affordable rental plans with optional Peace of Mind Warranty.
- We maintain extensive NYSSMA and competition music catalogs.
- Our Marcus Bonna case inventory includes exclusive color options.
Associations and certifications
- National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians
Services
Instrument Rentals
Our instrument rental program provides affordable access to quality musical instruments for students and professionals. With monthly rates starting at $16.99, we offer flexible plans including our Peace of Mind Warranty that covers maintenance and potential damages. Our local Ithaca-based service ensures quick repairs and loaner availability, eliminating the need for out-of-state shipping delays.
Music Lessons
Hickey's Music Lessons program offers personalized instruction for wind, brass, string, and percussion instruments, plus piano and voice. Our Fall Creek studio provides a dedicated learning environment with qualified instructors who set their own rates and schedules. We specialize in both traditional and contemporary music education approaches.
Instrument Repairs
Our NAPBIRT-certified repair shop handles all band and orchestral instruments with expert care. Specialized technicians in woodwinds, brass, strings, and electronics perform maintenance, restoration, and emergency repairs. Each instrument undergoes play-testing before return to ensure optimal performance and functionality.
Sheet Music Sales
We offer extensive sheet music catalogs including NYSSMA-approved materials, competition pieces, and custom orders. Our inventory features orchestral scores, chamber music arrangements, and educational materials for all skill levels. Digital and physical formats are available through our secure online store.
Case Sales
As an authorized Marcus Bonna dealer, we provide premium instrument cases for bassoon, trumpet, trombone, and clarinet. Our inventory includes exclusive color options and special order models. Cases are available for immediate shipment to protect valuable instruments during transport.
Questions
How do I rent an instrument from Hickey's?
Visit our website to select instruments and rental plans, or contact our Ithaca store for personalized assistance. No credit checks required.
What repair services do you offer?
We provide full-service maintenance and restoration for all band/orchestral instruments, including woodwinds, brass, strings, and electronics.
Are music lessons available online?
Currently, lessons are offered in-person at our Fall Creek studio. We're exploring virtual options for future expansion.
Do you ship instruments internationally?
Yes, we ship to over 50 countries with secure packaging and tracking for all instrument orders.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and offer financing through our Double Discount Plan.
Can I purchase NYSSMA materials from you?
Yes, we're the official NYSSMA headquarters with thousands of titles in stock and special order options available.
Reviews (5)
SingTrece SingTrece
Jun 27, 2022
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Such a friendly atmosphere and very helpful. Sometimes I walk in and just say that thing in my jiggy and tell him what I'm looking for lol and they find it. Love going hickeys
Chesca
Jun 13, 2022
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Very helpful service, both over the phone and in person. I called the lady at the front a couple hours ago, and she was able to find me what I needed (violin mute) and automatically placed it on hold for me! Greatly appreciate it.
Joey VanOstrand
Mar 31, 2022
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**Edited** Not so nice folks. Obviously disinterested and aloof. The website reflects mostly PREVIOUS inventory and is severely out of date. The in-house selection for guitar gear is severely lacking at best. And it is NOT due to unavailability. Their competition across town, where I purchased a guitar from this very day, is over-loaded with gear and friendly, helpful folks. Again, disinterested and aloof.
Many items are priced above reasonable retail. Gouging is a terrible way to support sliding sales. There are countless brick and mortar and online options available that I will utilize and recommend to others before darkening thier doorstep in the future. One can only support local business when they earn said business and wish to stay competitive. Sloth and resting on ones laurels is personally unacceptable and I cannot be a part of it. Good luck to you in the future.
Many items are priced above reasonable retail. Gouging is a terrible way to support sliding sales. There are countless brick and mortar and online options available that I will utilize and recommend to others before darkening thier doorstep in the future. One can only support local business when they earn said business and wish to stay competitive. Sloth and resting on ones laurels is personally unacceptable and I cannot be a part of it. Good luck to you in the future.
Andrew Paul Hauswirth Andy Drew
Mar 30, 2022
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Got a set of drumsticks for practicing, super knowledgeable, extremely friendly and helpful, just wish had a little more inventory on drums and trombones. Kind of a weird location in the building but extremely extremely knowledgeable five stars two thumbs up they got everything you need one and or have a question about. Shout out to Hickey's! And you don't get one when you leave there
Michael Nichols
Feb 08, 2022
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I had a buzz noise in a couple of my strings on my guitar and I took it to Hickey's in Ithaca Gary did a awesome job it could not sound any better thanks
