His musical lineage includes Eugene Schmitz, the turn-of-the-century San Francisco mayor and conductor of the San Francisco Orchestra.

Beginning his musical journey at age five, Vela has cultivated a comprehensive understanding of music through performance, education, and technical expertise. After early success as a recording artist and band leader, he pursued formal education at Diablo Valley College, earning dual degrees with honors in music and production, with emphasis on performance and jazz theory.

His professional path has been marked by versatility and achievement, including a decade in fine dining where he distinguished himself as an award-winning mixologist and sommelier. This attention to detail and refined sensory skills transfer seamlessly to his work in piano technology. As an educator, Vela spent ten years teaching multiple instruments at institutions including School of Rock, where he helped shape their performance-based curriculum. He later advanced to management at Apollo School for the Arts, where he successfully implemented innovative educational approaches.

Currently, Vela serves as lead manager for the San Francisco Unified School District's piano placement and maintenance program, overseeing 450 pianos across 210 schools. This role has rapidly expanded his technical expertise while supporting music education throughout the community. He maintains an active performance schedule with two Bay Area bands, AC & the Heatwave and The Cat House, continuing his family's legacy of contributing to the region's rich musical tradition.