Steph has been a musician for 20 years. She is a performer, musical director, arranger and teacher of singing, ukulele and music theory. She is one third of gorgeous folk trio, Paisley & Plaid and is one of four lead singers in the recently formed jazz band, Queens of the West.
Steph has directed many choirs. She currently directs Willin Wimmin and two With One Voice choirs – WOV Hobsons Bay and WOV Wyndham. but otherwise, the ukulele has become the big focus of her teaching.
Steph teaches ukulele with techniques learnt at the intensive James Hill Ukulele Initiative (JHUI), the only certified ukulele teacher training program of it’s kind. James Hill has worked closely with Chalmers Doane and leading ukulele educators to develop his exceptional program. Having graduated the final level, Steph became a mentor to other participants doing JHUI. Steph has been leading the Wyndukes Ukestra for 10 years and she directs Daisy Chains instrumental quartet.
Steph is an active member member of the Australian Ukulele Teachers and Leaders Association (AUTLA). Steph has both taught at and attended their wonderful training days, picking up and sharing fantastic tips and arrangements that have been tried and tested by Australia’s best ukulele teachers.
Steph has an Associate Diploma of Music Performance (Jazz/Popular) from Melbourne Polytechnic and studied music at Charles Darwin University and UNSW. In 2019, Steph travelled to Canada and the USA to study with some of the best ukulele players in the world.
Steph enjoys working with adults and children and holds a current Employee Working With Children Card and a Victoria Police Check.
“Excellent teaching method – teacher knows subject well. Stephanie Payne is patient, encourages learner input and has built a solid base to scaffold learning. The course is fun and accessible for a range of learner ability.” Anonymous participant’s feedback form following the Online Ukulele Jam Course for beginners. 23/5/2020
