education
Vance's musical education began at Western Michigan University, where he studied percussion under Judy Moonert and graduated summa cum laude in April of 1998 with a bachelor's degree in percussion performance. During his undergraduate years, Vance also studied drum set under Billy Hart, a jazz legend who continues to be a musical mentor and inspiration. While at Western, Vance performed extensively in various ensembles, ranging from a two year tenure as the principal timpanist for the university symphony orchestra to an equally long stint as the drummer for the award winning vocal jazz group Gold Company. Other honors received while at Western include two Downbeat Awards - one in 1996 for Best College Blues/Pop/Rock Ensemble and the other in 1998 for Best College Big Band - as well as twice being a recipient of the Larrie London Memorial Scholarship. Vance was also featured as a marimba soloist (1996) and multiple percussion soloist (1998) with the Western Michigan University Percussion Ensemble, and did extensive professional work, including studio work and performances with the Kalamazoo Symphony and the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestras.
In the fall of 1998 Vance moved to Chicago and began work in the jazz studies program at DePaul University, where he studied drum set with Joel Spencer and vibraphone under Ed Harrison. Vance graduated from DePaul with distinction in 2001 with a masters degree in jazz studies performance.
In the fall of 1998 Vance moved to Chicago and began work in the jazz studies program at DePaul University, where he studied drum set with Joel Spencer and vibraphone under Ed Harrison. Vance graduated from DePaul with distinction in 2001 with a masters degree in jazz studies performance.