Bio

About the Composer.

I am the son of Joseph and Mary Herrera. Growing up in the 60’s, I had a modest family life in Denver, CO. I attended several Denver area schools but after a few scrapes and bumps in the Curtis Park neighborhood, my father sent me off to military school. I had 12 years of learning the basics of music with the tenor saxophone, playing in school and neighborhood bands but I harbored a secret desire to learn piano which would not be recognized for many years to come.

I remember my dad’s love for Mexican and classical music. Some of my earliest and fondest memories were of me sitting on my dad’s lap as he played guitar. I feel that Mexican music grounded me, connected me to my roots and really gave me a sense of pride in my heritage. Classical music opened the doors to the world and influenced and inspired me to learn more about other cultures. My father’s undiscriminating love for so many genres of music was impressed upon me at a very young age. He enjoyed listening to Harry Belafonte, Marty Robbins, Ink Spots, Beethoven, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Chopin. His favorite show tunes came from the musicals Oklahoma and Carousel. He left many doors open for me, but it was up to me to walk through them. He taught me to never limit all that music has to offer and to listen to the composer as well as their creations.

Joseph and John Herrera

I think of my father often as I sit at my keyboard and compose my music. My music today is highly influenced by my father and by acting on that secret desire to learn piano and keyboards. I owe everything to my father and mother as they were loving parents who supported me in many ways. It is in my father’s memory that I compose music today. His many years of inspiration really opened my heart to the world of music. My mother continues to inspire me and reminds me never to forget where I come from and above all, to always be kind to others.

My dreams are the central creativeness and inspiration of my music. This particular piece of music is part of a continual dream that I have had over many years and continue to have to this day. My music comes from the heart and is also created, in the moment, at my keyboard, drawing on a lifetime of experiences. I hope my music touches you, helps move you to be creative and inspires you to, not only be a part of, but to participate in humanity. Dare to dream, set your goals as high as you want, never be afraid to fail because from failure comes the true test of who you really are and of how honest you are with yourself. Learn and grow from failure, which will help you strive even harder to achieve your goals.

It is with great effort and pride that I share the beginning of, what I hope will be many pieces of music with you.