Hayes School of Music

Violin & Viola 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. 

Apprentice

Sean Maccaroni, violin

Sean Maccaroni is a Violin Performance major in the Hayes School of Music, working with Dr. Pedro Maia as his applied violin professor, as well as Dr. Nancy Bargerstock in previous years. Sean has been a part of the Appalachian Symphony Orchestra since the fall of 2023, where he has held the concertmaster position in an opera, as well as in a silent film premiere. Sean is dedicated to his chamber music studies: he has been in multiple string chamber groups and has recently studied at the Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival in Burlington, Vermont. He is currently working as a teacher through CMS, taking gigs around WNC, and applying to local symphonies. Recent performances include Tchaikovsky’s String Quartet op.11, No. 1 (first violin) and the first, second and fifth movements of Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole. He will be performing Saint-Saens’ Violin Concerto no. 3 and Paganini’s Caprice no. 13 in the upcoming school year.

Teaching Philosophy

I try to integrate different ideas from multiple schools of thought into my lessons, most notably the Suzuki method and the principles of Ivan Galamian. I am currently in the process of Suzuki Teacher-Training, and have studied Violin Pedagogy with Dr. Bargerstock in 2024. My biggest priority is to create a welcoming and relaxed space where my students can have fun and build a healthy relationship with music. I aim for all of my students to be improving consistently, deepening their musical understanding, and - most importantly - enjoying the process of learning. 

Master

Annette Gregoire, violin and viola

Raised in the mountains of North Carolina and having just finished her master’s degree in Viola Performance at Appalachian State University, Annette Gregoire is an accomplished violist with extensive performance experience. Since 2022, she has performed with the Symphony of the Mountains and the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra as assistant principal. She won the Hayes School of Music Concerto-Aria Competition in 2023 and finaled in the Rosen-Schaffel Concerto Competition in 2024. As an educator, she has provided supplementary one-on-one instruction to undergraduate violists, tutored students in music theory and aural skills through the Learning, Research, and Technology lab, and led sectionals for high school violists. Although a classical violist at heart, Annette sometimes dabbles in fiddle and banjo music. 

Teaching Philosophy: I believe wholeheartedly in tailoring my teaching style to each individual student’s goals and preferences. Although I’m influenced by various teaching methods such as Suzuki, Rolland, and Havas, I don’t fully subscribe to any particular philosophy. Instead, I take bits and pieces and apply them uniquely to each student according to their needs. As a teacher, the most important thing to me is that playing your instrument remains a source of joy rather than a chore. One student might love perfecting small technical details as much as possible, and another might just want to have fun playing tunes. In my studio, both goals are equally valuable, and I’ll work to make sure both students end up being fulfilled by the music they make.

Michael Incorvaia, viola and violin

Michael Incorvaia is a graduate student at Appalachian State University pursuing his Master of Viola Performance under the instruction of Dr. Eric Koontz. He began playing the viola at the age of 9 through the public school system in New York. Michael received his Bachelors of Arts in Music from University of North Carolina Asheville. An experienced and passionate chamber musician, Michael has participated in many string quartet programs as well as played in a number of chamber orchestras and pushed to help revitalize the chamber music program at his former institution. Alongside his classical training, Michael also enjoys playing Jazz and video game music. 

Teaching Philosophy: I am passionate about teaching anyone who is willing to learn regardless of age or experience level. My goal is for my students to have fun and really connect with their instrument and the music they create.  

Brittany Coco, violin and other strings

Brittany Coco is a licensed North Carolina Music Educator and has recently moved to the Boone area. She is an East Carolina University graduate, where she received her degree in Instrumental Music Education and studied cello under Emanuel Gruber. During her time at ECU, she 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.