Stephen Herrera

My goal is to inspire creativity, and a love for playing.

I began playing the guitar at age 13. Classic rock bands such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and the Beatles, as well as blues guitarists Stevie Ray Vaughn and Eric Clapton, are my early musical influences. My love for music really bloomed when I started writing songs, and performing in bands in High School and College.  I eventually went on to study Classical Guitar, and graduate with a B.S. in Music from Towson University.  Over the years my influences and musical tastes have grown, and I currently enjoys a wide variety of artists/bands. I am most accomplished in the styles of rock, blues, Americana, and acoustic rock/folk.  

I have traveled the world playing music, and have countless hours of live performance under my belt. I have toured across the country several times, playing such legendary venues as CBGB’s in NYC, and the Whiskey a Go Go in LA. I have also traveled overseas performing for U.S. troops in Japan, Singapore, Guam, Iraq, Kuwait, and Djibouti. Although the traveling has slowed down in recent years, I am still a full-time performer, playing anywhere from 4-6 nights a week in various venues throughout MD, PA, DE, VA, and DC.

As a seasoned performer, and “life-long student” myself, I try to teach more than just how to play the instrument, but how to make music. 

I will meet you where you are at, and never try to force feed technique or songs. I want you to enjoy the instrument, because that's what this is all about! I will definitely make suggestions along the way, but will always adjust when needed. 

I typically don't use workbooks, but can and will if the student seems interested in the idea. I like to teach songs, and the underliying  (I like to throw a little bit of music theory into the mix!)