About Me

My first introduction to music began with an idea of my mother’s. She asked me if I would like to take guitar lessons. I said, “sure,” and I didn't give it another thought. A few weeks later she said, "Your first lesson will be Saturday". At first I thought, “What has she gotten me into?” I was reluctant at first and if it had been left up to me I would not have taken that first lesson. So, the credit for my love of music must be given to my mother. Throughout the years she has encouraged me and she is my biggest fan.

So, at the age of 10 or 11 I began taking lessons from Marsha Parker Willis. Marsha was a good teacher. At first I thought I would just be taking guitar lessons. But Marsha had other plans. She taught me the basic chord shapes and got me strumming and singing with the guitar. She taught me to do two things that I didn't even know that I could do. How many children are there in the world that have the God-given ability to sing and don't even know it?

I think I took lessons for about 6 months, but Marsha recalls that it was only three or four sessions (I think she's wrong). It has been and continues to be an enjoyment ever since that first lesson. I sincerely want to thank Marsha for taking the time to introduce a young boy to some music. She encouraged me by showing me that I could play and that it was within my reach!

I also play the mandolin. For many years I have enjoyed this little instrument and have actually spent more time with it than the guitar. My interest in the mandolin was kindled by my father-in-law, Elgar Parker, who was often playing the mandolin when I visited. The first tune I learned from him was "Redwing" in the key of G. Other tunes that followed were "Wildwood Flower" and "Soldiers Joy". He sure could play and sing. His whole family can play music and it has been great culture for me.

I began playing the mandolin at 19 years old when I purchased my first mandolin (Kentucky 180S) from Rual Yarbrough in 1982. I also remember purchasing a mandolin instruction book by Jack Tottle at the same time. Through the help of others who played and other instructional books, DVDs and VHS tapes, I began my quest to learn and play this little eight-string wonder.

Another mandolin influence was Iron Horse's mandolin player, Tony Robertson. I can remember seeing him perform with the band Next In Line in the early 1980s. I could see that those guys were having fun and I couldn't wait until I knew enough to be able to join in. Also a member of this band was my good friend Ricky Rogers, who is gifted with a great ear for harmonies and music in general. He has also taught me so much.

Another influence is my long time friend and mentor Jerry Clemmons. Jerry played the fiddle and he taught me a lot about that instrument as well as music in general. One of the first things he mentioned was, "Vance, if you are going to learn to play the mandolin to a level of proficiency, the first thing you need to learn is to like the learning process. If you don't like learning, then you better learn to like the learning process or you will never get there." This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: "Discipline, not desire, determines destiny." Jerry knew many fiddle tunes. He once emailed an Excel file containing tunes that he knew and had played throughout his lifetime. The file contained 474 tunes. Those were just the ones that he could recall. I am sure there were many more. Jerry passed away December 21, 2014. He will be greatly missed!

Jake Landers also had a big influence on me. I was able to play in his band for a few years in one position or another. I would play guitar if all of the band members were able to play the show, but if someone couldn't, I would fill in on mandolin or bass. This was my first opportunity for serious playing and performing. Thanks, Jake!!!

I'm also a member of the group Iron Horse. We have had several opportunities to play in many different states and countries in the last fifteen years. Working with these guys has taught me a lot about making music. Please visit our web-site.

I would like to publicly thank the following, and many others who have shared their knowledge and time throughout the years: Jerry Clemmons, Alton Parker, Elgar Parker, Dwight & Helen Taylor, Billy Craft, Larry McWilliams, Johnny Weems, Rual Yarbrough, Allen Drinkard, Dallas Holloway, Mike Holloway, Melvin Hallmark, Jim Pennington, Hunter Hamner, Elmer Harris, Chi Parker, Jim Bradford, Frog Fowler, Anthony Richardson, Tony Lee, Ernie Fite, Tony Robertson, Ricky Rogers, Carrol Quillen, Wayne Harrrell, Rick Corum, Larry Berry, Merry Gabel, Jamie Ferguson, Jim Holland, Dustin Young, Jim Hays, Kevin Harris, Andy Spearman, The Huntley Sisters, Lanky York, George Arthur Clemmons, Thomas Thompson, Shonna Tucker, and Herschel Sizemore.

I have learned a lot of fiddle tunes in the bluegrass style and something close to the old time style. It still amazes me that there are so many tunes and so many different ways to play the mandolin. The more I learn, the more I see that there is to learn and how much my playing is lacking. I just try to be thankful for what I can do and to appreciate the abilities of those who are more capable than I. When you think you're getting good, just go watch a pro player.

I also enjoy studying the fiddle, although I can't do much with it, I still have fun taking it out of the case and sawing on the strings.

The mandolin I play now is a 1999 A. Lawrence Smart which I ordered sometime in 1997 or 1998. It was an enjoyable experience to converse with Lawrence about what I wanted in a mandolin and he built me just what I needed.

I have devoted some time in creating the tab and this web-site for mandolin players. These are tunes that I have enjoyed discovering and playing throughout the years.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy this website and maybe find something useful for your mandolin playing.

Please visit the "Contact Info" page and sign the guest book.

Thanks!!!