Howard Vance Guitar Academy

08/09/2026

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2026967971524536

07/29/2026

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1345585451000322

07/19/2026

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1525255775648779

07/06/2026

Few adults play musical instruments, and even fewer do so in a group, Caroline Mimbs Nyce wrote in 2024. What health benefits might they be giving up? https://theatln.tc/oglkQfzJ

“Kids receive plenty of music education, but as people get older, they fall out of practice. Many stop picking up their instrument,” Nyce writes. “This is unfortunate, in part because plenty of research shows that adults could benefit from playing music.”

Playing music helps build larger brain networks and new pathways. “Musicians tend to have better attention than nonmusicians,” Nyce continues. “Banging on a drum or tooting a horn can also relieve stress, reduce burnout, and help with anxiety and depression. For older people specifically, research has shown potential cognitive benefits along with a possible decrease in dementia risk.”

Adults may be skipping out in part because music education is associated with childhood and coursework. And after people grow out of music education in their childhood, they tend to think that music is a special talent, Nyce writes, not something that just anybody can learn.

“Of course, people are busy; they simply may not have the luxury of sitting down to study Bach once a week, much less the money to pay for an instrument or private lessons,” Nyce writes.

Playing music in groups has additional benefits, such as allowing adults to feel more trusting of and connected to one another, and to the world in general. But while it’s easy to go to a park or gym and pull together a game of pickup basketball, “piecing together people at the same skill level to play a concerto or even just jam in a garage is another matter.”

Nyce herself recently began to play the recorder. “I plan to keep learning,” she writes, “not because it strengthens my neuropathways per se (though I certainly don’t mind that), but because making music, even when it’s silly—perhaps especially when it’s silly—is just a whole lot of fun.”

📸: Photo Media / ClassicStock / Getty

05/05/2026

In honor of what would have been Howard's 78th birthday. ♥️

Duo Vance Concert on November 11, 2011 at First Unity Church of Memphis, the Light on Top of the HIll. Howard Vance on guitar and Beverly Vance on Flute.

04/26/2026

https://www.facebook.com/reel/963534309482794

04/22/2026

https://www.facebook.com/reel/897915979746716

04/16/2026

Tomorrow night in Memphis!

https://concertsinamerica.com/yamandu-memphis/?fbc_id=120240156392960504&h_ad_id=120243742395240504&fbclid=IwY2xjawRNzOdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFnMzJzS0RGVVVvMzNkMjdTc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHh-ExWAfUxgLsv3PXL0C8i8yRhCeR0piAKl3yyWOfpF2xNEO4aTzkXQSGst3_aem_iIy7Q29CS7smEQd3qIipXw

Hailed by conductor Kurt Masur as "the Paganini of the guitar," Grammy Award-winning artist Yamandu Costa is widely considered one of the greatest 7-string guitar virtuosos in the world. Known for his intense performances and impeccable technique, Costa brings the spirit of Brazil to life with every...

02/09/2026

Howard Vance passed away suddenly on February 2, 2026 in Memphis, TN at the age of 77.
In Howard’s own words:
“I have been fortunate to live my life doing what I love most, making music.”
Celebration of Life details will be shared once they are finalized.