Glacier Country News

University of Montana law student Vance J. Thuesen has been named one of the three winners of the UM School of Music’s annual Concerto & Aria Competition. As part of his prize, Thuesen will perform the first movement of Edvard Grieg’s “Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16” with the UM Student Symphony Orchestra on March 8.

The competition is a challenging event that includes both instrumental and vocal solos, drawing musicians from various disciplines such as piano, voice, tuba, and violin. Participants initially performed for a panel of professional musicians during the preliminary round, after which six contestants advanced to the final round. The final performances were evaluated by another panel that selected three top performers.

“I was beyond ecstatic to be selected as one of the winners,” said Thuesen. “The opportunity to perform with full orchestral accompaniment is the ultimate experience for any musician and a personal aspiration of mine.”

Thuesen's commitment to music began at age 3 through the Suzuki Method and continues under Dr. Margery Whatley at UM School of Music. Despite not being a professional musician, he finds great satisfaction in playing piano.

“My practice sessions are a form of mindfulness for me,” Thuesen explained. “The process of working through a piece, constantly striving for improvement, is incredibly satisfying.”

Thuesen holds a bachelor’s degree in biology but shifted his focus to law after engaging in discussions with his father, an attorney. He now attends UM’s Alexander Blewett III School of Law while maintaining his passion for music.

“I believe playing music and practicing law have a lot in common,” Thuesen said. “Both require concentrated preparation, a technical approach and dedication to iterative, incremental progress.”

His legal career is also progressing as he prepares to join Christian, Samson and Baskett, PLLC in Missoula as an associate.

“Law school is a mix of challenges, but my music has always helped me diffuse stress and flex different thinking muscles,” Thuesen said.

Looking ahead, Thuesen plans to continue pursuing both legal and musical endeavors after his upcoming performance with the student orchestra.

“I’m driven not by the final results of the craft but by the craft itself,” Thuesen said.

His performance on March 8 represents an important milestone in his musical journey while balancing it with law school demands.

For more information contact Phil Stempin at phil.stempin@umontana.edu or call 406-243-6509.