Henry Ferland is a 23-year-old fingerstyle guitarist from the Hudson Valley, NY. He is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and the 2025 Home of the Legends Thumbpicking Competition Grand Champion. Henry is currently making a name for himself by performing all over the Hudson Valley and beyond. He has opened for jazz legend Martin Taylor at the Colony Woodstock, and recently shared the stage with Grammy award-winning fingerstyle guitarist Tommy Emmanuel in Nashville. Henry is now working on his first original studio album, set for release in early 2026.
Condition(s) & Date(s) of Treatment:
Condition: Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome
Year of Treatment: 2023
What inspired you to start playing music?
Music was always a part of my life growing up. Whether it was my parents blasting music in the mornings or playing in orchestras in middle school, I always loved it. I started taking music more seriously at the age of 13 when I picked up the guitar, and I haven’t put it down since. Well, except for when I had carpal tunnel in both hands and couldn’t play for a year.
Who are some of your musical inspirations?
My biggest musical and guitar inspiration is Tommy Emmanuel. He is (in my opinion) the greatest fingerstyle guitar player out there. I remember being 13 and seeing a video of him playing guitar on YouTube and thinking, “I have to learn this.” I spent a lot of my time trying and failing to play just like him, but I think in doing that, I found my own style of playing. I got to play a song with him in Nashville this past month, which was a total dream come true!
What was the injury that brought you to MTF and how did the injury affect your music?
I was suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome in both of my hands. I was dealing with this for about a year, and it got past the point of not being able to play guitar. I was in constant pain and couldn’t really use my hands. At that time, I was still studying at Berklee, and I had to take a semester off because I couldn’t play or even really take care of myself, so I moved back home to New York. I was lucky enough to have a really great support system with my family and girlfriend, but it really was a hard year.
What was your experience with receiving care through MTF and your recovery afterward?
After trying every option before surgery, and nothing worked, I had carpal tunnel release surgery on each of my hands. I was playing again within a month!
The surgery by Dr. Alton Barron took 15 minutes. I was shocked at how quick and seemingly simple it was. Everyone was nice, and they put on music in the operating room. I got my left hand done first. I was definitely sore and swollen for a week or so afterward, but almost within a couple of days, that aching pain that was such a part of my life for that year was gone. I had my right hand done two months after the left, which was November of 2023. The following January, I went back to Berklee, and I graduated in August of 2024. I am extremely grateful to the MTF for helping me to play again.
What’s coming up for you?
I am now performing everywhere that I can, both solo and with my band. I am playing guitar every day and writing songs. I am also working on recording a solo guitar album which will be released early next year. I have performed all over the Hudson Valley and am looking to expand out and play shows in NYC and across the country, and then the world!
Where can people find out more about you and your music?
Check out my website! There are links to videos, live performances, and social media. If you sign up for my mailing list, I’ll let you know of upcoming performances.