David Hekking

David Hekking, talented musician and concert guitarist, was born in Columbia, South Carolina. At home in many styles, he comes from a musical family. Taking up rock guitar as a teenager, he virtually taught himself to play by ear. Later, after changing college majors, David studied classical guitar under John Stover at the University of Memphis, and then with the renowned Cuban guitarist, Mario Abril, at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga. David relocated to Atlanta, Georgia as a professional musician. He returned to Memphis to perform and to teach at the Howard Vance Guitar Academy. Mr. Hekking is a man in love with the guitar. Let his performance experience, education, and versatility help you reach your primary goal - Making Music!

Tom "T-Bone" Lawless

Young Tom watched his brother switch from rock n' roll bass to bluegrass banjo, and was exposed to everything from Frank Zappa to Flatt and Scruggs. Attacking the guitar in 1974, T-Bone started with ragtime and bluegrass. He quickly moved on to rock, blues, country, jazz and classical, stopping at all points in between. After studying music at Old Dominion University, he marched into the Army. Graduating from the Armed Forces School of Music, he spent three years as a guitarist in the Army Band. Changing ships in 1986, he joined the Navy Band, playing guitar with them for nine years. Always broadening his "chops," Tom picked up the banjo, mandolin, bass, harmonica and tenor ukulele along the way. He joined the staff of the Howard Vance Guitar Academy in 1995, where he enjoys teaching all ages and skill levels, from brand-spankin'-new players to seasoned professionals.

Eddie Slusser

Eddie picked up the guitar in 1962 and no one ever had to tell him to practice. A professional musician since 1969, Mr. Slusser has appeared with such stars as Ricky Skaggs, Ronnie Milsap and Charlie Daniels. He has toured the U.S. and Canada with Jerry Lee Lewis. One of his compositions was recorded and released by Ace Cannon. In addition to teaching, Eddie continues to remain active in the music industry by composing, producing, and performing. He teaches guitar (any style) as well as electric bass. Eddie has taught full-time at the Howard Vance Guitar Academy since 1993. Eddie loves teaching and his students love him.