Guitar & Ukulele Instructors at the Community Music School
Learn more about private music lessons here! Please note the instructor's level (Apprentice, Master, or Professional) to determine the rates for the lessons.
Master
Austin Knudsen, guitar
Austin Knudsen is a Classical Guitar Performance graduate student at Appalachian State University, studying under Dr. Adam Kossler. He earned his Bachelor of Music from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in 2020, where he studied with Joseph Pecoraro. His additional mentors include guitarists Gordon Kreplin and Luke Payne. Austin has performed in guitar festivals and ensembles across the country, including the Guitar Foundation of America (GFA) Convention and the Appalachian Guitar Festival.
In addition to his work as a performer, Austin has extensive teaching experience in guitar, ukulele, and piano. He has held instructional positions at Kernersville Music Academy, Bold Music, Separk Music, and in his own private studios. Austin is a certified Suzuki Guitar instructor and is passionate about early childhood music education. His teaching experience spans both individual lessons and group or ensemble settings.
Teaching Philosophy
Austin Knudsen believes that every child possesses innate musical potential. With supportive guidance and positive collaboration between teacher, student, and parent, music can become a meaningful and lasting part of a student’s life, whether or not they choose to pursue it professionally. Austin is committed to integrating music and the arts into a student's broader education, developing emotional well-being, creativity, and personal growth beyond the practice room.
Brittany Coco, guitar, ukulele, and other strings
Brittany Coco is a licensed North Carolina Music Educator and an East Carolina University graduate, where she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Instrumental Music Education. During her time at ECU, she studied cello under Emanuel Gruber and performed across the Carolinas and Virginia with the Greenville Strings Ensemble, East Carolina Symphony Orchestra, NC Ballet Company, and Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival.
In addition to her love of performing, Brittany is an advocate for music education and a passionate strings teacher. She has taught award winning Middle School and Elementary Orchestras, directed Guitar and Chamber Music Programs, as well as facilitated the Raleigh Community Music School program in Wake County Schools. During her six years with the North Carolina Public School System, she specialized in Violin, Viola, Cello, Guitar, Piano, Ukulele, and early childhood education.
Brittany has a diverse background in String Education in the NC public school system as well as 10+ years of private lesson experience. During her career as a private lesson instructor, she has helped students achieve their goals in various musical endeavors, such as college auditions, competition and festival auditions, as well as orchestral and school events.
Brittany is passionate about the education system and strives to provide musical opportunities to all ages and ability levels. She is currently accepting in-person and virtual Violin, Viola, Cello, Guitar/Ukulele, Piano, and General Music students.