History of Mike's Music

History of Mike's Music

We think it's a fascinating story. Check the Alaska Star Newspaper Articles also.

In 1993 Mike Dunckle, having acquired his first violin, began to dream about what the world of music had in store for him. A veteran musician of about 3 months, he felt he needed an instrument worthy of the musician he hoped to become. After all, it is easier to learn to play on a good quality, well set up instrument. He shared his dream with his parents. He informed them that he wanted a $10,000 violin. When his mother regained her ability to speak (unusual for her), she responded with the usual "we'll see". After all, what parent is willing to commit to that kind of request after a few months of playing? When it became apparent, later in the school year, that Mike did possess some talent for violin and was still insisting on an expensive instrument. The parental response became "You may have it, BUT you must earn your own money". This is usually enough to deter a child who is not serious about acquiring an item. The parents also felt that if Mike was willing to put in years of snow shoveling, lawn mowing, etc., he would certainly deserve and take good care of an expensive violin.

Enter now, Mike, with a whole different concept of work. Mike wanted to work in an area that interested him, something along the lines of music. He knew he didn't have the ability yet to command large sums of money for his performances. His mother made an off hand comment about how students need instruments to play in the school program. Most students rent instruments until the parents can afford to buy or until the parents are fairly sure the student will continue in music. Mike figured, AHA!!, I can open a store, rent instruments to other students and make some money. He presented this idea to his parents, who realized (after the initial shock) it was a great idea. They felt it would be a good investment of his savings and would be willing to help him get started with some additional funds for instrument purchase. That summer they purchased used instruments and, with the help of his violin teacher, learned the basics of setting up instruments, instrument care, and suppliers for parts.

Mike worked the business out of their home over the school year. By summer it was evident that there was a need for a local music store and that the concept could work locally. During a summer family meeting it was decided that it would be feasible to open a store for the fall season. If it worked out, then it would become a full time retail store. Mike's dad was willing to help him out at the store and a landlord was willing to give Mike a break with low rent and non-binding contract to try the Eagle River location.

Mike and his parents decided that he would need more than just violins as rentals to make the store a success. Some research showed that most of the student band instruments manufacturers used exclusive dealerships. The best way for him to offer quality band instruments was to choose a local dealer and work with them. The Music Man of Anchorage, another family business, was approached. They were open to Mike's entrepreneurial spirit and worked out an agreement to provide Mike's customers with Yamaha, Gemeinhardt and Selmer band instruments. This arrangement has proved to be very successful for both stores and Mike's customers.

That fall and through Christmas the local people responded so well to having a local music store that Mike was able to commit to a long term business. After the first year at the Eagle River location, Mike was able to order his hand made violin and the following summer he went to pick out his wood and fittings. The store continued to expand the product lines while Mike saved money toward his violin.

Mike signed the check and received his violin in September of 1997. Now that Mike has his violin, he is working on making the store a profitable business and expanding and improving his product lines to better serve his customers. Mike and his parents currently operate the store as a family business.

Thanks to the strong support of Eagle River, Mike's Music continues to grow and enters its' thirteenth year in the Fall of 2005.

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3/12/05 last update