Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Vance.
Hi Michael, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Lebanon and Watertown, Tennessee, and music has been a major part of my life for as long as I can remember. Like a lot of musicians, I started out simply because I loved playing guitar, but over time that passion became a career.
Since 2009, I’ve made my living as a full-time musician. Over the years, I’ve played everything from local clubs and festivals to major tours and cruise ships, performing country, blues, rock, and just about everything in between. Every opportunity taught me something new—not only about music, but about the business behind it.
As my career progressed, I became increasingly interested in creating opportunities for other musicians and helping build entertainment experiences that connected artists with audiences. That eventually led to one of the biggest milestones of my career: helping develop Holland America’s Rolling Stone Rock Room. Being part of building a live-music concept from the ground up gave me a deeper appreciation for entertainment programming, artist management, and audience engagement.
Today, I wear several hats. I’m still an active performer, but I also work as an entertainment director and booking manager in Nashville, overseeing live music programming, developing artist showcases, and creating opportunities for musicians to perform and grow their careers. I also founded the Nashville Guitar Collective, a community designed to connect professional guitar players through networking, mentorship, and collaboration.
Looking back, my path hasn’t been a straight line. It’s been shaped by thousands of gigs, long nights on stage, countless miles on the road, and a constant willingness to adapt and learn. Through it all, my mission has remained the same: to make great music, build meaningful experiences, and help strengthen the community of musicians that has given so much to me throughout my career.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve always believed that if the road is smooth, you’re probably not pushing yourself hard enough. The things that are most difficult to achieve are often the things most worth pursuing, and there’s nothing easy about being a professional musician.
When you’re trying to build a career in music, there are sacrifices everywhere. Finances can be uncertain, relationships can be strained, sleep is often in short supply, and stability is almost nonexistent. It’s a lifestyle that constantly tests your commitment.
The truth is, it’s not for the faint of heart. You have to want it badly enough to endure the challenges, and even then, success is never guaranteed. I’ve known incredibly talented musicians—people I deeply respect and admire—who had all the ability in the world and could have stood shoulder to shoulder with some of the best. Yet for one reason or another, they were never able to turn that talent into a sustainable career.
That’s what makes this profession so unique. Talent is essential, but it’s only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Perseverance, sacrifice, timing, opportunity, and a little bit of luck all play a role. Those who make it aren’t always the most gifted; often they’re the ones who refuse to quit.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m primarily in guitar performance, live entertainment and music programming. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in a wide range of settings—from clubs, festivals, and studios to major touring productions and cruise ships.
I’m most proud of the fact that I somehow have managed to stay in this business full time for 16 years at this point.
What sets me apart is that I’ve experienced the industry from multiple perspectives. I’ve been the sideman, the bandleader, the touring musician, the entertainment developer, the booking manager, and the business owner. That gives me a unique understanding of both the artistic and business sides of the music industry. I don’t just understand what it takes to put on a great performance—I understand what it takes to build systems, create opportunities, and develop experiences that benefit artists, audiences, and organizations alike.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Find me on any of my socials and reach out. I’m not a hard person to contact, and even less difficult to work with. I love connecting and working with new artists or musicians of all kinds.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelvancemusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelvancetrio
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelryanvance
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelVanceMusic
