Hector Fernandez has been playing the guitar since the age of 10. As a child he was drawn to the soulful sounds of the Spanish Guitar while his father learned to play. His father’s love of Spanish Classical music remained a strong influence in Hector’s choice of music throughout his life. He was continually drawn to the warm chords and melodies that only a Spanish guitar can deliver.

As a teen, his interest turned to progressive rock under the teachings of John Curulewski, an original member of the group Styx. He continued playing rock and roll until he was drawn back into his love of Spanish Guitar by chance. On a sunny day in southern California, while working on his landscape business, he met a man in the adjacent yard who hired him to do some landscaping. That man shared a recording of his music with Hector. As Hector listened to the recording on his way home from work, he was immediately drawn to the music. He was so moved and so inspired, the neighbor agreed to take him on as a student. That man, the world renowned master guitarist, Juan Serrano,  would become his first Flamenco guitar teacher. Hector traveled back to Chicago in the early 1990’s and continued his studies in various Spanish styles. In Chicago, he expanded his studies to Spanish Classical, Flamenco, Latin and South American Styles, traditional Jazz, and pop under the guidance of many local and visiting artists. While in Chicago, he traveled to Spain, California, New Mexico, and New York, attending workshops and special events to enhance his studies. His commitment to his instrument and to ongoing study of Spanish guitar becomes evident the moment he begins to play. Some of his teachers include Juan Serrano, Roberto Arce, Rafael Riqueni, Tomas de Utrera, Pedro Cortes, Juanito Pasqual, Flavio Rodriguez, and Canito Suarez, and Norman Ruiz. Most recently, Hector is a devoted student to Jack Cecchini, one of Chicago’s great classical and jazz guitarists.

Hector has performed regularly at many notable Chicago venues to include McCormick Place, Chicago Botanic Gardens, The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Millenium Park Pritzker Stage, Harris Theater, Auditorium Theater, The University Club, John Hancock 95th Floor, Tree Studios, Target Park, The Lincoln Park Zoo, Q Center, Merchandise Mart, Capital One, PAWS Chicago, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, The Park West, Marshall Fields, Macy’s, River East Art Center, Adler Planetarium, Café Brauer, Deer Path Inn, Lake Forest Academy, Abbott Laboratories, Navy Pier, Chicago History Museum, and Newberry Library, Lyric Opera for special production of Carmen, and The Palmer House Hotel, as well as many restaurants and banquet facilities throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

Hector remains inspired by his collaboration with his late father.  They worked closely together until he passed away at 95 years old.  A time honored tradition of weekly collaborations and cherished moments come out in every note of Hector’s music.