Long Island's Oldest Music Store Approaches 66th Year

, located at 135 Main Street in the heart of Farmingdale, has made a name for itself as a small yet humble business over the last 65 years.

What was once a small Farmingdale home in the early 1900's has evolved into a leading music facility, earning the title of the oldest music store across Long Island.

Owner Frank LiCausi now runs the company alongside his wife, Valerie, and a team of professional music instructors who offer private lessons. 

The store opened its doors in 1945 when LiCausi's father, Alfred LiCausi, inherited his childhood home. Alfred, a Farmingdale resident since 1923, is a graduate of Potsdam College and taught in the nearby Bethpage School District for five years. 

"He was always a musician," Frank LiCausi said of his father. "His love and desire was to be in the music field, so he opened up the store."

LiCausi wanted to contribute to his family's establishment and realized he could integrate his woodwork talent with their already flourishing music shop.

"I got very involved with woodworking and wood workshop, and that's when it came to light that I had a very natural talent," LiCausi said. "I thought we should bring repairs under this roof."

LiCausi brought his repair services to the store shortly before his father's retirement in the late 1970s. His repair work meant faster service for their customers, which has always been a top priority.

"I can service what I buy; I buy things used and I can bring them up to new standards," LiCausi said of his repairs. "It's always a good value for a customer where they can save some money off what it would cost to buy new."

Over the years, Farmingdale Music Center has grown to be very well respected by its customers and the local community.

"Its great to see ratings online of people bestowing their happiness with our facility," LiCausi said. "People can find us on the internet and really get a feel for the place before they walk through the door."

"The community has always been very supportive," he added. "We have generations of customers coming back that we are now teaching or selling instruments to."

Farmingdale Music Center specializes in the sale and rental of both new and used instruments. A diverse selection of instruments are available, although the guitars have always been most popular. The store also offers private music lessons by professional educators.

"Our hopes are to be able to continue what we love to do," LiCausi said of the store's future. "I come to work with a smile on my face 'cause I consider myself very blessed to be able to do something I really enjoy."