When Melvin and Mildred Rockley began the business in 1946, it sold some print music, washers and dryers and other appliances, record players, and band and orchestral instruments. Melvin was the band director and principal at Alameda High School, so band and orchestral instruments were the primary focus.Rockley Music moved to its current location in 1955 at Colfax and Dover. As the business began to grow, Melvin focused his attention on the store and retired from band directing. The washers and dryers left in the late 50’s to be replaced by the booming record industry. Melvin’s son Bob and his wife Nina entered the business in 1964, creating the guitar department.

The 70’s brought more change to the business. Nina eliminated the records and the store’s extensive print music selection was born. Teaching studios were also opened in the store in the 70’s only to be relocated to their current location behind the store on Dover Street, in the mid 80’s. Tobin, Bob and Nina’s oldest son, joined the business in 1988 and immediately jumped on the electronic music scene, opening the music technology department.

Rockley Music entered into its next stage in 1993, with the purchasing of the adjoining restaurant, The Copper Kitchen.In 1994 the new section opened, as did the store’s piano department. Tobin’s wife Liane entered the business in 1996 as one of Rockley Music’s store flute teachers and now runs the business office and print music. Over the last almost 60 years, Rockley Music changed and adapted to fit the market demands and the customer needs. We pride ourselves on still being one of the few successful family-owned and operated businesses left. Family members are heavily involved in Colorado’s musical community in such organizations as the Colorado State Music Teachers Association, and the Colorado Music Educators Association and the West Colfax Community Association.