Cordogan’s Roots

Cordogan’s was founded in 1950 in Villa Park, IL by Gus Cordogan. Gus was the consummate performer, musician and teacher with several degrees from the prestigious American Conservatory of Music. Accomplished in twelve instruments, Gus was a "ringer" for U.S.O. shows while in the Marine Corps during World War II and would often not know what instrument he might have to play that evening, depending on the health and status of his fellow musicians/soldiers.

His passion was teaching, and in 1950 he opened Villa Park Music, surely not knowing his children would someday grow the company to be the largest piano store in Illinois. In fact, he didn’t even carry pianos initially. It was primarily a record store with musical instrument instruction and sales, whose collection of teachers and studios was led by Gus himself. If you grew up during 50s, 60s, 70s or 80s, and you studied an instrument while living within 10 miles of Villa Park, IL — Gus Cordogan may have been a household name.

Organs and pianos eventually became the focus, and Gus’ business expanded as his children grew of age to take the reins. A second store was added in St.Charles, which moved to Geneva in the early seventies. A Downers Grove showroom was added in 1984 and an Orland Park showroom was introduced in 1989.

Sadly, Gus left his music behind at the age of 67 in 1992 after struggling with lung cancer. Since then, his daughter Diane and son John have continued his legacy as President and Vice President of Cordogan's Pianoland and chicagopianos.com. Since the late 80's, they have grown the Geneva showroom/warehousehave grown the Geneva showroom/warehouse to be the largest piano store in Illinois.

Cordogan’s has more than 40 employees including a professional sales staff, an accounting department, sheet music department, movers, refinishers, technicians, rebuilders, and other artisans.

Feel free to contact us with any questions or comments.  We look forward to hearing from you!

 

John & Diane Cordogan