Frets and Strings began in August of 2003 after Rick Cox retired from the U.S. Navy where he had served as a musician for over twenty-three years.
Rick began teaching in the backroom of a local store in old town Silverdale and in the pre-school room of the Poulsbo Community Center. Initially there were only five students but the total enrollment doubled monthly until it was obvious that permanent studio space was needed. At that time the studio moved into two upstairs offices in the 3100 Building in Silverdale and the staff expanded to include an administrative assistant and an additional guitar instructor.
In February 2004 the business reorganized as The Spirit Ridge Group, Inc. dba Frets and Strings Guitar Studios and our enrollment continued to grow. Late that year we moved to an even larger suite in the same office building, hired two additional full-time guitar teachers a front desk/studio manager and a part-time bass instructor.

In January 2007 Frets and Strings expanded dramatically not only in terms of space but also in terms of what we offer and what services we can provide for our students. We offer early music education through our association with Kindermusik®, Suzuki Programs as well as regular private and group music instruction on band and orchestral instruments, Special Music Ensembles, Music Theory/Ear Training and Music Performance Training. We do not actively retail items so we can devote our energies to providing outstanding music instruction.

“Our mission is to endow students of all ages with the knowledge and skills needed to enjoy music for a lifetime.