MMMA: Guitar Faculty

Andrew Bayardi | Guitar

Andrew is an experienced and versatile guitar instructor who is well versed in various music genres. Born and raised in West Virginia, Andrew grew up listening to Country and Rock n' Roll music. As he was developing his love and skills for the guitar at a young age, he also studied classical and jazz music along the way. After earning his Bachelor of Music Degree in Guitar Performance from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, he has been an active educator and performer in the recent years. He is currently the lead guitarist in an indie rock band, "The Honors", that appears in festivals and venues throughout the Northeast. It is his belief that the main goal for learning an instrument ... + Moreis to have fun and to explore one's own path to making music. With his upbeat personality and positive attitude, Andrew always how to make learning and music fun for his students.

Chris Donelan | Guitar

Chris Donelan is a guitar player and producer/songwriter with over 15 years of experience. Born and raised in Newton, MA, Chris was first introduced to classic rock at a young age and took up guitar shortly after. During high school, he joined a local band and began honing his playing and performing skills while studying with local greats such as renowned guitarist, Ethan Brosh. At The Penn State University, Chris became the President of the Penn State Guitar Club, teaching students of all skill levels. Upon graduation, Chris has been working in different music studios and venues around the greater Boston area as a recording engineer and live sound engineer. Besides teaching, Chris is currently ... + Morea full-time producer/engineer at My Lady On Fire Music Studio in Brighton, MA. As a teacher, Chris believes instructors should have a thoughtful and organized approach to create a smooth experience that avoids frustration. He also believes that patience is key for both teaching and learning in all areas of life!

Hank Fisher | Guitar

Born into a musical family in Indiana, Hank began playing the guitar at the age of 12. He started by playing country music with his father’s band and later branched out towards Rock and Jazz music. His passion and talent for music eventually led him to the prestigious Berklee College of Music where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Guitar Performance. Hank currently performs in various Rock and Jazz groups across the New England area. Throughout Hank’s musical journey, he was very well-guided by various great teachers that made lasting impact on him as a musician and a person. As a teacher, he he strives to pass that fun and rewarding experience down to the everyone with a focus ... + Moreon positivity and consistency.

Nicholas Lees | Guitar

Nick Lees is a musician and educator who grew up right here in Massachusetts. He began playing guitar at the age of 5. After spending his youth writing songs, forming bands, accompanying musical theater/dance and experimenting with recorded music, he went on to study about the guitar, arranging, and production at the prestigious Berklee College of Music where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in music. Aside from teaching, Nick regularly performs locally in a wide variety of settings ranging from wedding ceremonies to doing sessions for original writers. Nick has spent a great majority of his time in recent years teaching students from school-aged children to adults. He views the ... + Moreguitar as the gateway to the musical universe. Nick encourages his students to listen, analyze, and interact with their favorite music while maintaining a positive and uplifting learning experience for his them.

Fletcher Medler | Guitar

Originally from South Carolina, Fletcher has been a student of music for nearly his whole life. Growing up, Fletcher studied the trumpet and piano while self-learning the guitar. His passion for music eventually led him to the Columbus State University in Georgia where he majored in trumpet performance for 2 years. After his studies there, Fletcher joined the U.S. Army where he also began playing the guitar professionally on the side throughout North Carolina collaborating with an array of incredible musicians. Fueled by his love for music, after serving in the U.S. Army, Fletcher went to continue his studies at the prestigious Berklee College of Music where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in ... + MoreProfessional Music. Fletcher currently is an active performer in a variety of settings from event bands to jazz ensembles to musical theater and more. As a teacher, he strives to keep his students engaged in a fun learning experience while balancing the importance of basics. Besides ensuring students having a good time by utilizing music the student is interested in, he also aims to give his students all the important fundamentals so that they can continue to learn and enjoy music for the rest of their lives.

Jaime Morales | Guitar

Originally from Texas, Jaime Morales is a professional guitarist with years of experience in both teaching and performing. After growing up playing the guitar almost throughout his childhood, his love for music had led him to the University of Houston where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music. As a performer well-versed in all styles of music, he has performed in various settings ranging from Jazz Orchestra to Rock, Country and Metal bands and even Contemporary Concert music. As a teacher, Jaime aims to balance the theoretical and technical aspects of the instrument with musicality and creativity to create a dynamic and fun learning environment. Over the years, Jaime has worked with students ... + Moreranging from as young as 4-year-old beginner to experienced musicians looking to further their skills. Jaime prides himself on his ability to create each and every student a a unique learning experience catering to their individual interest and ability.

Chris Poon | Guitar Program Director

Christopher Poon is an experienced teacher who has taught private students and was a faculty member of the Institute of Vocational Education in Hong Kong, where he was a lecturer for the music technology program. Chris graduated from Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor Degree in Music, double-majoring in Guitar Performance and Contemporary Writing & Production. Jazz Guitar has been his main focus in the recent years, but he enjoys playing other styles of music on the guitar as well, such as Pop, Rock, Latin, and Folk. Chris has developed his own curriculum-based, goals-driven and progressive guitar course utilizing renowned teaching materials from the Berklee College of Music and Musician ... + MoreInstitute that covers both guitar playing and music theory.

Jeff Potts | Guitar

Growing up in Portsmouth, RI, Jeff began playing guitar at the age of 11. His love for music eventually led him to the prestigious Berklee College of Music where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Guitar Performance. Jeff has over 30 years’ experience performing in the Boston area. Jeff is well-versed in a wide variety of music styles ranging from R&B, Funk to Rock, Metal, and Jazz. As a teacher, Jeff values patience and establishing a strong foundation of technique along with a solid understanding of music theory. He looks to instill in students and share the joy with them that music has given him all these year.

Evie Segal | Guitar

Evie Segal is a talented composer and guitarist hailing from New Milford, Connecticut. Her musical journey began with a deep appreciation for Rock and Jazz, which inspired her to pursue a career in music. Evie graduated from Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Composition, where she also led a jazz fusion band that performs and records actively locally. As a teacher, Evie’s teaching philosophy centers on gentleness and patience while recognizing the unique needs and passions of each student. She strives to nurture their love for music by helping them grow both technically and creatively.

Christopher Sweeney | Guitar

Chris Sweeney grew up in Morris, Illinois and started playing guitar and saxophone at the age of 10. He continued throughout high school playing in concert, jazz and rock groups as well as teaching lessons at Brandalino's School of Music in Morris, IL. Intending on pursuing a career in music, Chris accepted a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education. Chris currently teaches elementary general music in Middleboro Public Schools at the Memorial Early Childhood Center. He continues to perform in various genres including jazz, rock, musical theatre as well as solo classical repertoire. Chris encourages all students ... + Moreto reach their full potential. He meets students at their level and uses familiar materials and techniques to help his students' progression.