Since Stephen first picked up the guitar at the age of 15, music has permeated every cell of his being. Finding its way from his heart to his voice and his fingers, Stephen quickly became a skilled guitarist and proficient songwriter. His early influences include the Beatles, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Harry Chapin, YES, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger and Woodie & Arlo Guthrie. As his style matured, Stephen embraced the music of such guitar virtuosos as Segovia, Michael Hedges, John McLaughlin and Pierre Bensusan.

   Continuing his passion for music, Stephen studied classical guitar at Temple University's prestigious Esther Boyer School of Music. After passing the audition to get into the selective program, Stephen switched his major from pre-med to study music full time. He did not limit his creativity to the guitar, moving onto composition, the flute, harmonica, tin whistle and Native American recorders. Each new instrument he mastered became easier than the last, and brought even deeper layers to his music.

   Stephen performed with several bands in the Philadelphia area, including a two year run with Sound Tapestry, a diverse electric rock band in the vein of Neil Young-meets-Jethro Tull. Stephen sang lead vocals, played rhythm guitar, flute, harmonica and percussion.

   Stephen has been exposed to Folk music and the love of music in general since birth. Stephen's father Michael Marmel was one of the original members of the Philadelphia Folksong Society and one of the many founders of the Philadelphia Folk Festival. Michael also started one of Philadelphia's first Folk Music Radio Programs on then-student-run WXPN, University of Pennsylvania. With an early exposure to some of the Philadelphia area's best and most talented musicians, as well as some of the top pickers in the country, great tunes constantly surrounded Stephen and are now ingrained in his musical style.

   Raised in the traditions of Philadelphia's Folksong community, New Year's Day would find the Philadelphia Folkies camped out in the Marmel's living room jamming around a blazing fireplace. Always loving to sing, Stephen's sibling rivalry squabbles with his sister Amy would often be over who got to sing Paul's part and who got to sing John's.