Vance Music staff is comprised of talented musicians with over 100 years of accumulated teaching experience. We continue to improve our skills through college courses, workshops and performances. Members of our staff have served as clinicians and artistic advisors for colleges, public school and church music programs, and continue to mentor other instructors. We work hard to devote quality personal attention to every individual student. We also try to provide our students with opportunities to help them become better musicians. These opportunities include regular monthly recitals and special occasions such as the Christian Howes workshop we sponsored for our students this year. REX S. VANCE
VANCE MUSIC PRESIDENT & INSTRUCTOR
Violin ~ Viola ~ Cello ~ Piano ~ Organ ~ Theory ~ Electric Violin
* Violin student of Dr. James Caesar, Beatrice Pease, and Leopold Shopmaker (student of Leopold Auer and Willy Hess, and for whom the Leopold Shopmaker Violin Competition is named)
* Currently performs in the Vance Music Band and the Vance Music String Quartet
* Performed in violin master classes for world-renowned artists Samuel Applebaum and Christian Howes
* Performed in the Hutchinson Symphony, Fort Hays Symphony, Wichita State University (WSU) Symphony, Friend's Community Orchestra, K.U. Medical Arts Symphony, KS City KS Symphony, First Baptist Church (FBC) Orchestra and FBC Praise Band
* Performed in the Hutchinson Symphony with Art Garfunkel
* String Clinician for Classical, Jazz, Rock, Bluegrass, Irish, Welsh, Scottish, Old-Time Fiddle, Cajun and Gospel music
* Clinician for Friends University, WSU, and the KS American String Teacher Association (KASTA)
* Played backup for Andy May, Alvis Barnett, The Terry's, Parton's, Stutes Family, Pee Wee Reese, Craig Curry and Ernest Alexander
* Former Board member of KASTA
* Member of the American String Teacher Association (ASTA), KASTA, National Association for Music Education (NAFME), KS Acoustic Arts Association and KS Bluegrass Association
MARISSA J. VANCE
VANCE MUSIC VICE PRESIDENT & INSTRUCTOR
Violin ~ Piano ~ Electric Violin ~ Mandolin ~ Voice ~ Theory
* Violin student of Dr. Alla Aranovskaya of the St. Petersburg Quartet, Rex Vance and Nancy Luttrell
* Jazz violin student of Dr. Robert Young, Dr. Mark Foley, Tom Fowler and Rex Vance
* Piano student of Chet Vance, Judith Fear, Meghan Vance, Wynona Vance and John Goering
* Vocal student of Janet Vance, Xavier Moore and Chet Vance
* Bachelor of Violin Performance Degree from WSU
* Currently pursuing a Master's Certificate in Music Business from Berklee School of Music Online
* Currently performs in the Vance Music Band & Vance Music String Quartet
* Performed in a violin master class for Nashville artist Billy Contreras
* Performed in the Hutchinson Symphony, WSU Symphony, WSU Jazz Combos, FBC String Orch., FBC Praise Band, FBC Sanctuary Choir, Wichita North High School Madrigal Singers, Wichita North High Jazz Band and as Concertmistress of the Wichita North High School Orchestra
* Played backup for Ernest Alexander and Craig Curry
* Performed as a violinist in the WSU Symphony with the St. Petersburg Quartet at Carnegie Hall
* Performed in the WSU Symphony with the rock band KANSAS
* Performed as a solo violinist with the WSU A Cappella Choir at the Kansas Music Educators Association Convention (2010)
* Pit orchestra member for productions including: A Man Of No Importance (Regional Premier), Once Upon A Mattress, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik & 1776
* Received several 1 ratings at Music Festivals
* Member of ASTA, KASTA and NAFME
MEGHAN L. VANCE
VANCE MUSIC INSTRUCTOR
Piano ~ Guitar ~ Theory
* Piano student of Paul Reed, John Goering, Chet Vance and Wynona Vance
* Violin student of Rex Vance
* Guitar student of Sterling Gray
* Currently performs with the Vance Music String Quartet
* Pianist for weddings, funerals, and other functions
* Piano accompanist for solos, ensembles and contests
* Former accompanist for the FBC Sanctuary Choir
* Former Concertmistress of the Wichita North High School Orchestra
* Performed in the WSU Symphony Orchestra, WSU Summer Orchestra, Wichita Youth Symphony Orchestras and FBC String Orchestra
* Pit orchestra member for various musicals
* Has received several 1 ratings at Music Festivals
JANET E. VANCE
VANCE MUSIC INSTRUCTOR
Voice ~ Vocal Coaching ~ Piano
* Master of Music Education from WSU
* Kodály Level III Certificate from WSU
* State of Kansas licensed K-12 music teacher
* Former elementary vocal music teacher for USD 259
* Vocal student of Dr. George Gibson, Dr. David Weber, Dr. Vernon Yenne and Janice Jaworsky
* Current pianist for Faith Renewal Church
* Currently performs in the Vance Music Band
* Church and civic performing groups choir director
* Pianist for weddings, funerals, and other functions
* Piano accompanist for solos, ensembles and contests
* Toured the United States and Europe with the Continental Singers
* Performed in Master's Project (vocal jazz ensemble), WSU Singers, WSU Opera Theatre, WSU Madrigal Singers, FBC Sanctuary Choir and FBC Bell Choir
* Member of Music Educators Natl. Conf. (MENC), KS Music Educators Assoc. (KMEA) and Kodály Music Educators of KS (KMEK)
OUR INSTRUCTORS ARE:
* Innovative
* Always learning
* Working together to best support students
* Still active in the music field
* Experienced with special needs students
* Teach all ages
* Teach all styles
* Integrate music history
* Integrate music theory
* Utilize technology
YOUR OPPORTUNITIES:
* One-on-one Teacher to Student Attention
* Monthly Practice Recitals
* Participate in Music Contests
* Monthly Awards
* Annual Awards
Served areas
- South Central Kansas & Online Lessons
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Services
Vance Music Studios was founded by Chester S. Vance Jr. (1929 - 2008) in Kansas City, Kansas in 1952. The studio moved to Wichita in 1972 and since that time has been serving South Central Kansas drawing students from a 100-mile radius and with students representing eight different school districts.
Vance Music has been providing tailored music instruction in Wichita, KS since 1972. We offer professional music instruction for most ages, abilities and instruments. Students attend thirty-minute lessons each week at Vance Music, and are highly encouraged to participate in monthly recitals. In addition, Vance Music frequently invites accomplished guest artists to lead workshops on various topics.
People
Marissa J. Vance
Vice President & Instructor
MARISSA J. VANCE
VANCE MUSIC VICE PRESIDENT & INSTRUCTOR
Violin ~ Piano ~ Electric Violin ~ Mandolin ~ Voice ~ Theory
* Violin student of Dr. Alla Aranovskaya of the St. Petersburg Quartet, Rex Vance and Nancy Luttrell
* Jazz violin student of Dr. Robert Young, Dr. Mark Foley, Tom Fowler and Rex Vance
* Piano student of Chet Vance, Judith Fear, Meghan Vance, Wynona Vance and John Goering
* Vocal student of Janet Vance, Xavier Moore and Chet Vance
* Bachelor of Violin Performance Degree from WSU
* Currently pursuing a Master's Certificate in Music Business from Berklee School of Music Online
* Currently performs in the Vance Music Band & Vance Music String Quartet
* Performed in a violin master class for Nashville artist Billy Contreras
* Performed in the Hutchinson Symphony, WSU Symphony, WSU Jazz Combos, FBC String Orch., FBC Praise Band, FBC Sanctuary Choir, Wichita North High School Madrigal Singers, Wichita North High Jazz Band and as Concertmistress of the Wichita North High School Orchestra
* Played backup for Ernest Alexander and Craig Curry
* Performed as a violinist in the WSU Symphony with the St. Petersburg Quartet at Carnegie Hall
* Performed in the WSU Symphony with the rock band KANSAS
* Performed as a solo violinist with the WSU A Cappella Choir at the Kansas Music Educators Association Convention (2010)
* Pit orchestra member for productions including: A Man Of No Importance (Regional Premier), Once Upon A Mattress, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik & 1776
* Received several 1 ratings at Music Festivals
* Member of ASTA, KASTA and NAFME
VANCE MUSIC VICE PRESIDENT & INSTRUCTOR
Violin ~ Piano ~ Electric Violin ~ Mandolin ~ Voice ~ Theory
* Violin student of Dr. Alla Aranovskaya of the St. Petersburg Quartet, Rex Vance and Nancy Luttrell
* Jazz violin student of Dr. Robert Young, Dr. Mark Foley, Tom Fowler and Rex Vance
* Piano student of Chet Vance, Judith Fear, Meghan Vance, Wynona Vance and John Goering
* Vocal student of Janet Vance, Xavier Moore and Chet Vance
* Bachelor of Violin Performance Degree from WSU
* Currently pursuing a Master's Certificate in Music Business from Berklee School of Music Online
* Currently performs in the Vance Music Band & Vance Music String Quartet
* Performed in a violin master class for Nashville artist Billy Contreras
* Performed in the Hutchinson Symphony, WSU Symphony, WSU Jazz Combos, FBC String Orch., FBC Praise Band, FBC Sanctuary Choir, Wichita North High School Madrigal Singers, Wichita North High Jazz Band and as Concertmistress of the Wichita North High School Orchestra
* Played backup for Ernest Alexander and Craig Curry
* Performed as a violinist in the WSU Symphony with the St. Petersburg Quartet at Carnegie Hall
* Performed in the WSU Symphony with the rock band KANSAS
* Performed as a solo violinist with the WSU A Cappella Choir at the Kansas Music Educators Association Convention (2010)
* Pit orchestra member for productions including: A Man Of No Importance (Regional Premier), Once Upon A Mattress, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik & 1776
* Received several 1 ratings at Music Festivals
* Member of ASTA, KASTA and NAFME
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Vance Music
http://www.wichitainperson.com
Reviews (10)
Dexter Pham
Jun 17, 2020
My daughter has been taking piano lessons for 4-5 years now with Vance Music. She has been challenged with not only learning to read and play music, but she has also learned how to be more confidant and disciplined in other areas of life as well. Learning music is challenging, and the teachers at Vance understand this very well. They meet the student where they are at, and they help them be the most successful that they can be.
The staff is very knowledgeable and experienced. The monthly practice recitals are very helpful for many reasons, but one major benefit to me is getting used to being up in front of people and performing. It helps to build confidence overall in the student. One of the biggest takeaways from this music school that you may or may not find elsewhere is the personal touch of caring about their students as a person.
I appreciate that very much, and so does my daughter. I consider my daughter's teacher to be one of her role models and a positive influence in her life. I wouldn't take my daughter anywhere else besides Vance for music lessons. Top quality lessons, challenging, thorough, unique opportunities (playing at Botanica at Christmas time, workshops with professional musicians, etc.), and the caring nature for the students that all of the teachers possess. They work with all ages on a variety of instruments. We highly recommend Vance Music.
The staff is very knowledgeable and experienced. The monthly practice recitals are very helpful for many reasons, but one major benefit to me is getting used to being up in front of people and performing. It helps to build confidence overall in the student. One of the biggest takeaways from this music school that you may or may not find elsewhere is the personal touch of caring about their students as a person.
I appreciate that very much, and so does my daughter. I consider my daughter's teacher to be one of her role models and a positive influence in her life. I wouldn't take my daughter anywhere else besides Vance for music lessons. Top quality lessons, challenging, thorough, unique opportunities (playing at Botanica at Christmas time, workshops with professional musicians, etc.), and the caring nature for the students that all of the teachers possess. They work with all ages on a variety of instruments. We highly recommend Vance Music.
Kaitlyn Henry
Dec 03, 2016
My husband and I both took lessons for fun through this amazing place and can't wait to get our son involved. He is almost 3 and we are excited to introduce music to him through the Vances. Very personable and they remember you! Love seeing them at the music festival and can't wait to see what my son learns!
Lyn Perry
Jan 23, 2016
Pam Conway
Dec 09, 2015
My children have been taking music lessons for 7-8 years now! Not only is the staff professional but they are very personal as well! My children have been taught not only how to read music but also theory, composers. scales, musical exercises, all types of musical genres, and how to perform in monthly recital performances. Vance Music also give many opportunities to attend world renown musicians' workshops!
I am very pleased with Vance Music as one of my children now wants to become a professional musician and his teacher will definitely help him achieve that goal! You really need to check out this great opportunity for you or your children!
I am very pleased with Vance Music as one of my children now wants to become a professional musician and his teacher will definitely help him achieve that goal! You really need to check out this great opportunity for you or your children!
Rhiannon Kielhorn
Michael Mans
I took piano lessons at Vance Music Studios for about four years. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to further their musical skill, whether a complete beginner or a someone who has been playing for some time. I, personally, had been playing piano for about three years prior to starting lessons with Vance Music. I think I learned more in the first year with them than I did the previous three years of playing!
They are very friendly, professional, easy to work with, and ready to answer all your musical questions! One thing that I really liked about them is that they teach a lot of music theory and even history. This makes music very interesting and allows students to understand why certain music sounds the way that it does or why it is played the way that it is.
This is a great thing because when you understand what you are playing you are more prone to play it well. It's also something that I have not seen a lot of with other teachers. Among other things it's just one example of how you get "the whole package" with Vance Music Studios.
So, no matter what your instrument of choice may be, give Vance Music Studios a try. I am confident that they will set you on a path to success. And, hey! The first lesson is free!
They are very friendly, professional, easy to work with, and ready to answer all your musical questions! One thing that I really liked about them is that they teach a lot of music theory and even history. This makes music very interesting and allows students to understand why certain music sounds the way that it does or why it is played the way that it is.
This is a great thing because when you understand what you are playing you are more prone to play it well. It's also something that I have not seen a lot of with other teachers. Among other things it's just one example of how you get "the whole package" with Vance Music Studios.
So, no matter what your instrument of choice may be, give Vance Music Studios a try. I am confident that they will set you on a path to success. And, hey! The first lesson is free!
Shara Brittain Keeny
Vance Music has been an excellent opportunity for my daughter to take violin lessons. Rex Vance has worked with her each year to establish short-term & long-term goals for her music. The monthly recitals offer an opportunity to improve performance skills, & prepare for music contests/festivals. In hindsight, we would definitely have our daughter take from Vance Music to begin her violin music career....wonderful experience from generous, & caring family.
Amy Cole Fisher
This music studio is amazing. I took voice lessons here for 3 years and viola for 2. They prepared me well for other music events around Wichita, including the Wichita Community Children's Choir, worship teams at my church, State Choir, first chair viola at my high school, and much more. The monthly recitals helped me get over stage fright and the teachers are all very friendly and helpful. Totally worth it. :)
Candace Bolinger
I would highly recommend the Vance Music Studio for music lessons! My son and I have been taking lessons for almost two years now, and we are both very pleased. The instructors are easy to work with and very professional. I love that their business is family-based; you can tell that the Vance's eat, sleep, breathe, and live MUSIC! The Vance's have a great teaching plan that gives each student a firm foundation in knowledge about their instrument, how to read music, music theory, proper technique, real world application with recitals, and other awesome opportunities to take workshops with some amazing talent like Mark Sganga or Joe Deninzon, and even opportunities to play in the community (for instance when Vance students performed at the Wichita Botanica Gardens).
My son studies piano with Meghan while I study cello with Rex. Both teachers are extremely patient and have a calming presence in the classroom, which makes lessons feel comfortable and relaxed. The Vance Family, as a whole, is just very professional and helpful when it comes to their students; they will not hesitate to answer questions, tune instruments, help with special projects, etc.
I had been taking lessons for almost 3 months when Rex agreed to help me prepare to play a musical piece on my cello as a surprise for my husband at our vow renewal ceremony! Both my son and I have gotten so much more than we bargained for from our music lessons with Vance Music Studio, and that continues to be the case! We wouldn't go anywhere else!
My son studies piano with Meghan while I study cello with Rex. Both teachers are extremely patient and have a calming presence in the classroom, which makes lessons feel comfortable and relaxed. The Vance Family, as a whole, is just very professional and helpful when it comes to their students; they will not hesitate to answer questions, tune instruments, help with special projects, etc.
I had been taking lessons for almost 3 months when Rex agreed to help me prepare to play a musical piece on my cello as a surprise for my husband at our vow renewal ceremony! Both my son and I have gotten so much more than we bargained for from our music lessons with Vance Music Studio, and that continues to be the case! We wouldn't go anywhere else!
Angelina Andrews