The Whidbey News-Times reported Aug. 2 that “North Whidbey’s only all-instrumental music store, ClickMusic.biz opened last month to serve islanders and the city of Anacortes.” Perhaps the reporter should have done her homework before submitting this article.

She would have discovered the music store, Mr. Music (just down the hill from the Whidbey News-Times office) has been in business on Pioneer Way for the past 15 years.

Prior to those 15 years, Jim Ducken, Mr. Music’s owner, worked at Whidbey Music Center for 18 years. With 33 years in the music business, he is well qualified to assist parents, students, and aspiring musicians with their music needs.

Another statement in the article I found in error was, “Music teachers have the burden of writing each of the band solos for their students.” Having owned Whidbey Music Center from 1972 to 1997, working with band instructors and having three children and now three grandchildren go through the Oak Harbor public school band programs, I am totally unaware that any band instructor had to write solos for students.

Mr. Music offers all that ClickMusic.biz does; it also has excellent, well qualified teachers available from which the community may choose. Has our local newspaper given a long established business the same coverage as the new kid on the block? I think not.

Competition is a good thing and I’m sure Oak Harbor has room for two music stores. However, please give the community correct information so local shoppers can make informed decisions when shopping for their music needs.

Katherine Morse

Oak Harbor