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ann and robert fletcher

Robert (Bob) Fletcher is the second donor to make a $1 million gift as part of the Idea Campaign to the School of Music.

"Music was my life," said Fletcher. "I wanted to participate in an effort that had such a close association with my background."

Fletcher grew up in Hornell, N.Y., an area close to the Finger Lakes, and his love of music and water has remained constant in his life of 75 years. His grandfather was a piano tuner and amateur violinist. His father tuned and repaired pianos that he sold out of their Hornell home. In fact, over 20 members of the Fletcher family have been involved in the repair and sale of pianos, spanning four generations.

After completing a four year tour in the Navy, Fletcher attended Florida State University and graduated with a degree in public administration. He was attending Stetson Law School when his father died. Fletcher returned home to operate the four family owned music stores.

Several years later, Fletcher joined the Wurlitzer Piano and Organ Company where he supervised its retail operation in New England, and marketed pianos, organs and juke boxes. He worked for Wurlitzer for six years before returning to Florida and moving the Hornell music store operation to St. Petersburg.

Recognizing the strong purchasing power of the Florida retirement community, Fletcher narrowly defined his business strategy to retirees and home organs. At the time, U.S. retailers universally dismissed the retirement market. The Fletcher team coupled its offering with "Lifetime Free Lessons," prompting the Wall Street Journal to declare that the company was in the "lifestyle enhancement" business rather than the retail arena. Fletcher Music Centers mushroomed to 40 stores in the Carolinas, Arizona, Nevada and Florida.

In addition to enjoying their keyboard instruments, thousands of Fletcher customers began claiming health benefits as a result of their new hobby. This customer response piqued Fletcher’s interest.

"I was inspired by the idea that a person’s state of well being could be improved—sometimes dramatically— through music therapy," he said. Fletcher found himself embracing music in a way he never before imagined. This new and innovative type of music therapy was being defined, and he seized the opportunity to be involved with its evolution.

Fletcher decided to fund a study, "Music Making and Wellness," led by scientists from the University of Miami Medical School and music therapists and experts in aging from the University of South Florida, Michigan State University, Western Michigan University and the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. This landmark study confirmed the claims of the Fletcher customers: Active music making is a meaningful activity contributing to a person’s health and overall well being.

Fletcher was so impressed with the work of the music therapists in the study that his foundation funded a music therapy department at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla. For his efforts, Fletcher was given their "Friend of Music Therapy Award." In 1992, he was named "Florida’s Entrepreneur of the Year."

After the "Music Making and Wellness" study was published, music wellness programs throughout the music industry were established. Eventually, the Fletcher name became more prominent in the music industry, and he became president of the National Association of Music Merchants, and later its chairman. He traveled throughout the world on behalf of this organization, all the while advocating music therapy and its health benefits.

Fletcher had a summer cottage outside of Hornell prior to coming to Chautauqua. His longtime friends Dave and Jean Cooper introduced him to the Institution. About 12 years ago, Fletcher rented at Chautauqua and continued to do so for a couple of years. He then purchased a home on Scott Avenue. Currently, he and his wife, Ann, spend their summers at Chautauqua and reside in Boca Grande, Fla., in the winter. Ann, a retired interior designer, enjoys activities in the Women’s Club and Friends of the Theater at Chautauqua.

As an avid sailor, Fletcher enjoys sailboat racing both here and in Florida. He is a member of the Flying Scott fleet of the Chautauqua Yacht Club and is on the board of directors. In Florida, Fletcher enjoys sailboat racing with fellow Chautauquan sailor Bill Cornell. In addition, he is an avid tennis player.

Fletcher was attracted to the plans for the School of Music in the early stages. "It just seemed like the right fit for me and my family," he said. Fletcher formed The Fletcher Family Foundation with proceeds from his music business. The purpose of the foundation is to support music and music related programs and initiatives.

"I think supporting the Chautauqua School of Music is a great way to get my family involved in philanthropic causes," Fletcher said. Music plays an important role in the lives of Fletcher’s four children, as well. His daughter Julie studied Suzuki piano at Chautauqua almost 30 years ago and is currently a Suzuki piano teacher in Skaneateles, N.Y. His son, Jeff, plays piano and is a graduate music therapist. His daughter Casey is a veterinarian in Asheville, N.C., and Michelle, an occupational therapist, enjoys playing the harp. Fletcher also has seven grandchildren.

In Bob Fletcher’s assessment, this is the ideal time for him to make a contribution of this nature.

"I have given gifts to charitable causes all of my adult life, but I never desired to use my name. My family feels it is time for me to leave my legacy," Fletcher said. Now he is ready to do just that.

Written by Development Office Staff