Study with professional musicians

Vance Music Studios Instructors

Christopher E. Vance
(Studio Director)

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Mr. Vance holds a Master of Music in Double Bass Performance from The Cleveland Institute of Music, a Bachelor of Music in Double Bass Performance from S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theory - S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo. Primary double bass studies with Scott Haigh (Associate Principal Double Bass- The Cleveland Orchestra), Roger Macchiaroli (Assistant Principal Double Bass- Buffalo Philharmonic), and Lawrence Angell (Principal Double Bass- The Cleveland Orchestra). Further orchestral studies with principal players major of orchestras including Cleveland, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and New York; and Double Bass Professors at major music schools including Juiliard, Indiana University, Illinois University, The Hart School, Michigan State. Mr. Vance has played under such conductors as Michael Tilson Thomas, Louis Lane, Steven Smith, David Effron, Carl Topilow, James Conlon, David Zinmann and Sydney Harth. Jazz Bass studies with Mike Moser (buffalo-based guitarist), Paul Fergusson (The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra), Mark Dresser, John Lindberg, and Peter Dominguez (jazz bass professor; Oberlin School of Music). Guitar studies with Mike Moser and John Stebal Jr. and music theory studies with Dr. Charles Smith. Honors include a C.I.M. scholarship, The Baird Scholarship, The Livingston Award, Gearhardt University and National Deans Lists and a scholarship to attend The Brevard Summer Music Festival in 1997.

Chris has been giving private lessons since 1992 in multiple Buffalo and Cleveland locations - many of his former students have gone on to music school (some with scholarships) and many more have become active members of the local music scene. On average, he has about 80 students per week and plays 15-20 gigs per month. Chris has consistently been a prolific performer in both the classical and jazz/rock realms throughout his career. He has been the featured soloist on some of the most demanding classical repertoire and has served as principal bass of the Bermuda Symphony as well as the Buffalo Opera Company Orchestra. He currently plays with 15 60 75 (www.numbersband.com), an Organ Trio called The Killerwatt Hours, as well as various pick-up gigs on bass and guitar. He has played with The Mercury's featuring Hollywood Slim , The Ricky Exton Quartet, Wallace Coleman, The John Stebal Trio, Bobby Ferrazza, Bob Frasier, and Mark Gridley. He has served as a substitute player for The Buffalo Philharmonic, The Akron Symphony, The Canton Symphony, The Erie Symphony as well as The Mike Petrone Trio, Blue Lunch, Michael Civisca, Abundance, The Jay Epstein Trio, and Jerry Bruno Productions, just to name a few. He is featured on recordings by Kassaba, Parallels and Cletus Black.

In addition, Chris has had some training as a string instrument repair/adjustment technician. Formerly a shop adjuster for Conn-Selmer's Stringed Instruments Division, Chris currently works as a Specifications Consultant for the company. He has also worked for Peter Zaret and Sons Violins - you can read his articles titled, "How to Get The Best Jazz Sound Out Of Your Double Bass", "Making the Transition From Electric Bass to the Double Bass" and "How to Choose a Double Bass" at www.zaretandsonsviolins.com/articles.html. Chris Vance proudly endorses NS Design and their EU5 Electric Upright Basses, as well as Modulus and their Quantum 6 Bass Guitar.

Carly Kuhn

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Carly Kuhn, a native of Lakewood, is our voice instructor. She is a recent graduate of Wittenberg University with a B.M. in Music Performance. While a student at Wittenberg, Carly took a semester abroad to study music history, performance, and culture in Vienna, Austria. Carly has consistently been involved in various musical theater productions, jazz performances, and singing groups such as The Ladies Vocal Trio and The Wittenberg Chamber Singers. Carly is a seasoned instructor, and keep on the look out for Carly's upcoming local performances.

Carey Viton

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Carey Viton's multifaceted music career spans over 40 years. His music performance career began in high school playing keyboards with bands at various venues in the Cleveland area. After earning a B.M in Music Composition at The Ohio State University he toured the country with various show bands. He studied piano performance with Dr. Susan Woodard. Carey also studied with jazz pianist Bill Gidney.

Mr. Viton has performed with many top names in both jazz and pop music. In 1975 he performed at the Montreaux Jazz Fest in Switzerland. Other performances include concert and clinic settings with Ed Shaugnessy, Sonny Stitt, Art Pepper and Lou Marini. Pop music experience includes work with Lou Christie, Bobby Rydell and the Moondog Coronation Concert. He served as the musical director for the show band 'Barbara Paul'. Carey was a founding member of the Bruno Brothers Band. Carey is presently working for Jerry Bruno Productions as a solo pianist and member of the Tony Camerato Band. He has worked with many very talented local musicians.

After earning his Music Therapy credentials at Baldwin-Wallace College he worked with severely emotionally disturbed youth in a residential treatment center for close to 20 years. His music therapy curriculum included individual music lessons, clinical improvisation, song writing, talent shows, music video production, and both vocal and instrumental ensembles. As Clinical Training Director he supervised 12 Music Therapy interns.

Rick Gleason

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Rick began playing the guitar at age 12. In high school began jazz studies as well as arranging and composition with John Stebal, Jr. In 1971, he attended the Howard Roberts Clinic for jazz studies in Hollywood, California. He studied classical guitar with Andre Muchkov at CIM.

In the late 70's, Rick studied classical piano with Barbara Klownowski at the Willoughby School of Fine Arts. He then studied at Cleveland State with Ginina Caesars as well as jazz piano with Neal Creque.

Rick has been teaching music since high school. He was a faculty member at the East Cleveland Community Theater where he did Suzuki teaching on piano, violin and guitar. He was head of the music program at St. Henry's in Warrensville Hts., Ohio. He was also a member of the Music Extension Program at Garfield Hts. High School where he taught piano and guitar, as well as coaching ensembles.

Rick has an A.A. from Lakeland Community College and a B.A. from Cleveland State University.

Rick began performing professionally in junior high school. He later toured with and was musical director for vocalist Paula Graham. He continues to perform as a soloist, and with his trio, Factotum, a jazz-blues fusion group

Joe Bonsignore (J. Blues)

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J.Blues has opened shows in the Cleveland area for such legendary greats as Robert Lockwood Jr., John Hammond, David Lindley, Leon Russell, Paul Rishell and Annie Raines, Dickey Betts (from the Alman Brothers), Smoking Joe Kubeck and Bnois King, Devon Alman from Honey Tribe, and has also appeared on FOX 8 Morning Show. Starting at the age of fourteen he was, playing gigs in and around New York City, culminating in a sold out performance at "The Limelight" when he was only eighteen. His first record deal came at the age of nineteen when he signed to Amethyst Records, Columbia, SC. Since then, he has produced and recorded two CD's and a single, as well as being featured on Esquire Record's "The Best Of Cleveland Blues" compilation. At the age of twenty he was contacted by Tyco Toys to play on a commercial promotion.

He currently holds an AAS in Jazz Commercial Music from Five Town College, Long Island, NY and a BA in Music Performance from Cleveland State University as well as recently completed a Masters in Music from Cleveland State University under Bob Frasier. He has been teaching guitar to the masses since 1988. If you are looking for an experience in acoustic/electric Blues or Jazz he can help you achieve your dream.

Mark Brennan

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Mark Brennan, a native Clevelander, began playing guitar at the age of 10. His first influences were from the Ventures and the British invasion, especially the Beatles and Rolling Stones. Shortly afterwards he was playing in rock bands with his brother Matt on drums, developing his ear by learning songs straight from records. Playing in a band became a passion.

In high school, he grew to love acoustic and classical guitar. He spent time playing acoustic music, influenced by The Eagles, CSN, Dan Fogelberg, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, etc. In the 70's, he headed a very popular Cleveland band, The Brennan-Cosma Band, which played a variety of acoustic and rock music, along with originals. He also took up the classical guitar, and began developing his fingerstyle technique.

Mark is a graduate of Cleveland State University (1980), with a Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar Performance. He also studied Music Composition, and took many Music Education classes. After graduation, he began his private teaching career, teaching electric, acoustic, and classical guitar, along with music theory. He taught in various studios and guitar shops throughout North Eastern Ohio.

In the 80's, Mark took an affection to Progressive rock. With his band Polyphony, he was influenced by the music of Yes, Genesis, Kansas, ELP, Styx, along with a set of prog rock originals.

Currently, Mark is in the regionally successful Pink Floyd tribute band Wish You Were Here. The band performs faithful renderings of the Floyd classics spanning their entire catalog, along with a strong visual stage show. Here, Mark displays his command of the David Gilmour style. Mark also performs in a singer/songwriter duet with his wife Marla, playing the music of James Taylor, Carol King, Neal Young, Joni Mitchell, Beatles, etc., along with current popular singer/songwriter music.

Mark is looking forward to extending his 35 years of performing and teaching experience to the students of Vance Music Studios. His philosophy is about developing a passion for the guitar and being the best musician you can be; being true to yourself and developing a personal style, and truly expressing your heart through your music.

Timothy Lane

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Timothy Lane has enjoyed the art of drumming since 1986 . Early studies with local legend Harry Damas, then later during college years with Bob Mckee, Greg Bandy. Advanced studies with Mike Clark of the Headhunters. Clinics and studies with Eric Patton ( Columbus University) , Dave Weckyl, Terry Bozzio, Jack DeJohnette. Tim has also played with the Platters, Mickey Hart, Airto Moriera, Giovanni Hidalgo, and many more. Touring in 2001 opening for Brian Wilson & Paul Simon ( with Michael Jantz Band )

Timothy currently plays around local regions with artists including Tracy Marie (Singer Songwriter), Fester Presley (Delta Blues/ Cajun), Sultans of Bing (Jam Band), Whiskey Island Ramblers (Celtic/Irish), Kynde Sirs (Medieval Music), Cheryl Ann Hawk (Singer Songwriter) & The Revolution Brass Band, just to name a few.

Teaching since 1999. Concepts in reading, listening, and watching. Rock, Latin, Jazz, Funk, Blues, Rhumba, etc. Providing two drumsets at the studio teacher and student watch and learn very well. Timothy has also been collecting vinyl records for years, contributing to his vast knowledge of music history.

Matt Hadaway

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Matt has been playing drums professionally since the age of 16. While still in high school, he was playing in the greater Cleveland area with different jazz and funk artists, such as Kenny Davis, and the Ernie Krivda Fat Tuesday Big Band, as well as doing theatre work at Cain Park and Huntington Playhouse. Matt graduated from William Paterson University (NJ) in 1998 with a bachelors degree in music. While at school in the New York City area, he had the opportunity to study and play with many world-renowned musicians, such as Rufus Reid, Harold Maybern, Todd Coolman, and Phillip Harper, to name a few.

Since 1998, Matt has been traveling, playing and teaching music. He has worked for Carnival Cruise lines, as a showband drummer and musical director. And also was the leader of jazz/funk/soul/ trio,"Deluxe", with recordings being featured on Submerge Records "Future Jazz" compilation. Matt also spent two years living in London (UK), where he worked on the writing and production of independent rock band Carbon13's debut album. While there he also played a wide variety of gigs with some of the top sessions musicians at the time, including Dale Davis (Amy Winehouse MD), Mark Ralph (Brand New Heavies, Roy Ayers), Luca Camaner (Natasha Bedingfield), and Dean Mark (Craig David).

In 2010, Matt returned to the Cleveland area and is now performing with variety of local artists, including The Up Ensemble, The Revolution Brass Band (Percussionist), Evelyn Wright, and Good Morning Valentine. With his vast experience in playing many different styles of music Matt is devoted to helping his students accomplish whatever their own personal musical goals may be.

Chris Scott

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Chris Scott is an eclectic musician, whose tastes, knowledge, and experience span everything from orchestral music to jazz to experimental electronica. He is an active performer, composer, arranger, and educator in Cleveland's rich music scene.

Chris earned his Bachelor of Music degree at Youngstown State University, where he studied trumpet with Christopher Krummel. He was also involved in YSU's venerable jazz program, performing on their jazz ensemble's studio album, "Burnin'". After college, Chris went on to be a show band musician on Carnival Cruise Line's fleet of pleasure cruising vessels.

In Cleveland, Chris was a founding member and songwriter for the jazz/electronic groups Solrae and Luxure. He currently performs with the modern big band MOJO as well as Cleveland's premiere wedding and special event band, "Twist!". He has also been a guest performer with Akron based funk group "Costley Court".

Chris's teaching experience is equally diverse. He has been a music educator in the Cleveland and Euclid public school systems, teaching students from Kindergarten through high school in every kind of musical discipline. Chris has also taught private trumpet lessons in many different settings, including Cuyahoga Community College's "Community Music Program".

Dave Kasper

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Dave received his Bachelor of Music degree from Cleveland State University. Active on the local music scene, Kasper enjoys performing and teaching in the Greater Cleveland Area. Currently performances can range anywhere from Big Band to Pit Orchestras to Latin Clubs to small groups performing Jazz or Dixieland. With such a wide range of venues the instruments always change, whether it's a saxophone, clarinet or flute. Kasper's passion lies in his original material with a touch of the past and present. He has had the privilege to play with national acts such as The Temptations, Either Orchestra, Al Martino and Tito Puente Jr.. Dave also performs regularly with the big band MOJO as well as The Revolution Brass Band.

Genevieve Gilbert

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Genevieve Gilbert is currently pursuing a Music Education degree at Cleveland State University. While attending Cleveland State Univerisity, she is also an instructor in The Community String Project. Other teaching experiences include: Lakewood Rock On! and Classical Academy directed by Beth Hankins, Summer Community String Project, and a week long string camp in Taipei,Taiwan. Genevieve graduated from Lakewood High School, and is native to Lakewood. Current and past teachers include; Wei Shu Wang Co, Dr. Hanne-berit Hahnemann, Eric Eichorn (first violinist of The Cleveland Orchestra) and Peter Otto (associate-concertmaster of The Cleveland Orchestra).

Jeff Schimelpfenig

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Jeffrey Schimelpfenig is a graduate of Cleveland State University with a degree in Cello Performance and is licensed to teach K-12 Music in the State of Ohio. Mr. Schimelpfenig is currently the Master Teacher of CSU's String Project and the lower string specialist for Cuyahoga Community College ArtPrep String Orchestra Program. Additionally, Mr. Schimelpfenig served as the cello specialist for the past three sessions of Baldwin Wallace Conservatory Outreach summer String Camp. An active performer in Northeast Ohio Mr. Schimelpfenig has performed with the Mansfield Symphony (principal), Ashland Symphony (asst. principal), and the Lima, Erie, and Akron Symphonies as well as the Apollo and Arion String Ensembles.

Joseph Rebman

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Joseph Rebman is currently pursuing a degree in Harp performance at the Cleveland Institute of Music, studying under Yolanda Kondonassis. A native of Cincinnati, Rebman began studying harp at age 10 with Michelle Gwynne of Northern Kentucky University. Rebman is an active performer, and has performed with many Orchestras, including Northern Kentucky, Clermont, Kent, Baldwin-Wallace, and Sandusky. Aside from the classical side of the harp, Rebman enjoys jazz, and has performed with small jazz ensembles. Rebman also performs on the lever harp, a smaller harp traditionally used with Celtic music, and a common starter harp for students.

As a teacher, Rebman has taught multiple private lesson students, as well as elementary school classroom sessions, and has taught both pedal and lever harp. As an enthusiastic advocate of the harp, Rebman regularly presents the harp to the public, including presentations for schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and outreach performances to the general public.

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