Strings Lessons

at the Davis School of Music

Suzuki Music Lessons FAQ

What is Suzuki Music Method?

Suzuki is a method of teaching music fluency and appreciation based on the principles of early language acquisition, created by Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki. The ideas of parent responsibility, loving encouragement, constant repetition, learning instrument technique before note-reading (much as we learn to speak before we learn to read), and reinforced learning in group settings are some of the special features of the Suzuki approach.

What ages are ideal to begin lessons?

Ms. Griffith teaches students as young as 4 or 5 depending on physical and mental maturity, all the way up to adult learners. K- 3rd grade is probably easiest time to begin.

Will I learn to read music also?

One of the strengths of using the Suzuki Method of music instruction is learning to produce a beautiful tone and to use proper technique to play the instrument first, much like we learn to speak our language(s) fluently before we learn to read. Music reading instruction is gradually added into the lessons as the student becomes ready.

How often will I or my child need to practice?

Learning to play any instrument requires much diligence and repetition, so practicing as close to every day as possible will yield the best and fastest results. Like any endeavor, you will get out of it what you put into it. Practicing every day right from the start builds a good habit and sends the message to your child that practicing is a priority. But of course you’ll make it a fun, positive bonding time so that your child will want to practice every day!

Do I have to buy an instrument?

It is actually better to rent an instrument at first, especially for children who will continue to grow for many years. Ms. Griffith recommends renting from Cadence Music, and can also assist with correct sizing.

Instrument Requirements

For Lessons with Ms. Griffith

Properly sized instrument and bow, approved by instructor before first lesson (Cadence Music in Fort Myers is a good place to find an instrument)
Suzuki Violin/Viola/Cello/Bass School instruction book & CD (Volume depends on student’s level)
I Can Read Music instruction book
Christmas Solos for Beginning Violin (Mel Bay)
Slow Twinkles CD by Darren Tidwell
Daily Practice Calendar
Other materials as needed

How necessary is parent involvement?

Parent participation is very important, especially for the first few years and the younger students, to create a great positive home learning environment! But you don’t need to be a violinist yourself, just a good note-taker, an avid learner, and a patient and encouraging home helper.

Sound like a lot of effort! Is it worth it?

The numerous cognitive and emotional benefits of learning to play an instrument are well-documented, and are probably still understated! An appreciation, understanding and love of music is an amazing life-long gift you can give to your child or to yourself!

Violin Instructor

Rachel Cox

Rachel Cox, violinist and violist, has performed with the Naples Philharmonic, The Florida Orchestra, Sarasota Orchestra, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum Chamber Orchestra. She has been a member of the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra since 1998, holding the positions of principal viola, acting assistant and principal second violin, and acting assistant concertmaster. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Viola Performance from the New England Conservatory in Boston, where she studied with Walter Trampler, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from IMPAC University in Punta Gorda, Florida. Performance credits include a performance in Carnegie Hall under the baton of Michael Tilson Thomas, broadcasts on WGBH-FM “Off the Record” program, guest artist at the 2006 Ohio Federation of Music convention, guest performer with the New York Viola Society, and two PBS nationwide broadcasts as a member of the Naples Philharmonic under the direction of Erich Kunzel. In 2002, Rachel started the music scholarship at Florida Gulf Coast University that ultimately led to the formation of the Bower School of Music.

Rachel has published six books on Ohio and U.S. history, which are used in schools, libraries, and colleges throughout the United States and in Europe. In 2008 she published her first novel, The Horror Within. In 2011 she published A New Era: A History of the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, which was written to commemorate the 50th anniversary of that orchestra and is the basis of a short documentary. Rachel is the author of Ecce Cecilia, a poem set to music for chorus and orchestra by Paul Richards in honor of the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra’s 50th anniversary celebration. In 2012 she published Redemption, a one-act play which explores how crime traumatizes both the victim and the perpetrator. Rachel is also the historian for the Regional Orchestra Players’ Association, a conference of the American Federation of Musicians. Her Music of the Holocaust presentation, which is archived at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, may be viewed on Youtube.

Rachel is presently a professor of violin and viola at Florida Southwestern State College in Fort Myers and an instructor for the Florida Gulf Coast University Academy. In 2017, in conjunction with two other members of the Music Foundation of Greater Naples, Rachel launched the Musical Moments Series at the Center for Performing Arts in Bonita Springs, the first year-round concert series in Southwest Florida. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Rachel currently resides in Cape Coral.

High School Chamber Strings Instructor

Danielle Parks

Danielle Parks is an experienced music educator with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Florida Gulf Coast University, specializing in string instrumental music and double bass. Since 2022, she taught orchestra, piano, and instrumental techniques at North Fort Myers High School Center for the Arts and Media, where she coordinated concerts and workshops to promote student collaboration and academic achievement. As a performer, she served as a bassist with The Naples Players and the Naples Community Orchestra and as a vocalist at the First Presbyterian Church of Naples. Danielle also served as a strings instructor at the SBDAC Strings Summer Camp, where she worked with young musicians to develop their technical skills and ensemble performance abilities. As the new high school chamber strings director at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Danielle is committed to fostering musical excellence, inspiring student growth, and building a dynamic, collaborative program.

Junior Davis Strings, Violin, Viola, and Cello Instructor

Brant Harlacher

Brant Harlacher, a Fort Myers local, is a passionate chamber musician and dedicated music educator. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Georgia Southern University, specializing in string instrumental music and chamber performance, and served as the cellist for The Magnolia String Quartet. Since 2022, Brant has shared his expertise as an orchestra director in Lee County, inspiring students through dynamic instruction and a steadfast dedication to musical excellence. Driven by a vision of growth, creativity, and collaboration, he is committed to fostering programs that equip students with the skills to excel both as musicians and as individuals.