This is Ron's Mel Bay's Artist Interview with Erica Lee. He also teaches bow (arco) technique on upright bass. Originally from Illinois, Ron de la Vega began his professional musical career playing cello and bass in the early 1970's. Performing with local and regional groups and symphony orchestras allowed him to play concerts with artists such as Benny Goodman, Dave Brubeck, and many others. In 1980, Ron moved to Los Angeles, CA and received a performance degree on bass from M. I. (Musicians Institute) which also allowed him to study bass under Bob Magnusson and Ray Brown. Living and working in L.A. through the 1980's allowed him opportunity to record, write, and/or perform with artists and musicians such as Vinnie Vincent, Frankie Banali, Les Wise, and many others. Arriving in Nashville late 1989, Ron's 1st record session was for Crystal Gayle, and he continued to play and record with Paulette Carlson, Nanci Griffith, Engelbert Humperdinck, Brenda Lee, The Crickets, among many others. With Nashville as home, he also has worked on a sound track with David Carradine, appeared on many TV shows around the world and the USA, such as Rosie O'Donnell, Conan O'Brien, among others, including multiple times on Austin City Limits, David Letterman and Jay Leno. Continuing his performance career, Ron is also working on a masters of music degree in conducting. Ron is currently recording and performing with The Vintage Mandolin Quartet.