Tasmania business closures: McCann’s Music Centre in Hobart to close after 142 years

After nearly 150 years calling the tune as one of Hobart’s best-known instrument dealers, a truly iconic music centre is bringing down the curtain.

McCann's Music Centre owner Geoff McCann, and manager Will Harris. Picture: Chris Kidd

After nearly 150 years calling the tune as one of Hobart’s best-known instrument dealers, McCann’s Music Centre is bringing down the curtain.

Third-generation owner Geoff McCann, 74, spent his childhood growing up in the store when it was run by his father, Bernard, and began working there full-time after leaving school in 1965.

But with a proper retirement long overdue, and nobody in the family able to keep the business going, Mr McCann has decided on a Christmas swan song.

“Sentimentally, it was a hard decision to make, but I am very comfortable with it now,” Mr McCann said.

“I will miss it, but I am not getting any younger and I can’t keep worrying about keeping the tradition going.”

McCann's Music Centre owner, Geoff McCann. Picture: Chris Kidd

Over the years, the McCann’s offering has undergone numerous changes.

Founded in 1881 by St Mary’s Cathedral organist James McCann and located at 180 Elizabeth St, the business began as a music school and instrument showroom.

In 1935 Bernard McCann moved the store to its current location on the corner of Elizabeth and Melville Streets, and expanded its products to include electrical goods, furniture, floor coverings, and records.

When music-loving Geoff – an avid electric bass guitarist who began his career in the store’s record department – eventually took over as managing director, he returned the store to its roots.

He phased out all other departments to focus solely on musical instruments, print music, and tuition.

“I had the hard task of putting people off which was a difficult time, but I needed to take those hard decisions to achieve the end goal of becoming a quality music store,” Mr McCann said.

“And we haven’t looked back since.

“But you can’t achieve something as successful as this without good staff, and I have always made a point of having the right people around me.”

Mr McCann has witnessed plenty of change throughout the years, with rapid technological improvements in amplifiers and keyboards, and ever-changing musical trends.

But some instruments have defied fashion, and remained consistently popular with customers through the decades.

McCann's Music Centre at Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

“Pianos would go quiet for a period of time then become flavour of the month, while ukuleles have been one of our biggest-sellers over the past few years,” Mr McCann said.

“But guitars have always been popular, both electric and acoustic, and drums as well.

“There have been a lot of musicians that have shopped here over the years, and we have always tried to sell the right instrument to the customer so they can have the best opportunity to go ahead with their music.”

Mr McCann is determined to go out on a high note, winding the business up by Christmas to spend more time relaxing at home, travelling with his wife, and playing with his band Fossil Rock.

“My staff fully understand my position, and I appreciate the fact they have been so supportive,” Mr McCann said.

“I think we’ve had a jolly good run, and now’s the time to close the curtain on it.”

Tasmanian Small Business Council chief executive Robert Mallett said he would be sad to see McCann’s depart the retail scene, but praised their contribution to Hobart over a century and a half.

“I’m 65, and they have been there for as long as I can remember,” Mr Mallett said.

“Their windows have always been so interesting to gaze into, full of guitars, ukuleles, and tin whistles.

“It’s a terrible shame to be losing such an institution in the city of Hobart because it has added to our cultural fabric for generations.

“But that’s the nature of running an enterprise – you have that right to be able to start up when you like and close down when you like.

“I wish Geoff all the best in retirement.”