Both a performer (electric bass/guitar and electronics) and a composer, Vees has written music for his own ensemble, Chez Vees, and for groups such as Ensemble Modern,
California EAR Unit, and
Zeitgeist (ensemble). He has collaborated with performers Ashley Bathgate,
Libby Van Cleve, Amy Knoles, as well as various choreographers and video artists. Influences include
Louis Andriessen,
John Cage,
George Crumb,
Charles Ives,
Erik Satie,
Joel Thome, and
Captain Beefheart (Don Van Vliet). Vees holds an undergraduate degree from
Glassboro State College and an M.F.A. from
California Institute of the Arts. Previous composition teachers include
Louis Andriessen,
Vinko Globokar,
Stephen L. Mosko,
Bernard Rands, and
Morton Subotnick. == Notable compositions ==