Steph has been a musician for over 25 years. She is a performer, musical director, arranger and singing, ukulele and music theory teacher. She is one-third of the gorgeous folk trio, Paisley & Plaid and is one of three lead singers in the recently formed jazz band, Queens of the West, who have been performing all over Victoria.
Steph has directed many choirs. She directs Willin Wimmin women’s choir 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 learned at the intensive James Hill Ukulele Initiative (JHUI), the only certified ukulele teacher training program of its 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 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 traveled 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 the 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
