When he was killed in World War I's Battle of Argonne in October 1918, elites such as George Eastman and Emily Sibley Watson joined with other citizens of Rochester in forming the "David Hochstein Music School Settlement".

The school was originally opened in the Hochstein's family home on Joseph Avenue for 250 students.

The school remained here until 1975, when in need of more space, it is moved to the former Central Presbyterian Church on Plymouth Avenue.

In 1978, the building was purchased for $1, "considered to be an appropriate fee in light of the long tradition of the importance of music in that house of worship.

"[2] Hochstein's Performance Hall is the former sanctuary of the Central Presbyterian Church and has been fully renovated as a theater.