Piano, Guitar
Brian Payne is a talented multi-instrumentalist, educator, and composer. His command of guitar,
bass, piano, drums, trumpet, and vocals has proven itself over a 20+ year career as a working
musician.
Brian grew up in a musical family, surrounded by singing, piano, and guitar. He started his
musical journey singing in a children's choir in elementary school and started playing piano at
age 7.Brian joined middle school band playing trumpet, where he excelled and was regularly
chosen for county honor band. In high school, he continued his honor band tenure on trumpet
and was chosen for the all-state honor band as a sophomore, junior, and senior. Outside of
school, he performed as a soloist and as part of ensembles at local churches and private
events. Brian also started playing the drums in 9th grade and guitar in 10th grade.
After high school, Brian attended Loyola University New Orleans where he was awarded
scholarships for music and academics majoring in Music Education and earning his teaching
certificate in Louisiana. During his time there, he continued studying trumpet, piano, guitar, and
drums in addition to the required music education curriculum. He also played trumpet for theater
companies, performed as a soloist, and as part of brass quintets.
After graduating from college in 2011, he moved to Chicago where he has been performing and
teaching music ever since. Brian has played in numerous bands, performing at venues and
festivals such as House of Blues Chicago, House of Blues Cleveland, Navy Pier, Gallagher
Way, Hard Rock Cafe, Joe’s Live, Joe’s on Weed St, Martyrs, Cubby Bear, Dirty Nellies, Taco
Fest, Rib Fest, Sheffield Belmont Music Fest, and Taste of Lincoln.
Education: Loyola University, New Orleans
Started at the Old Town School in October of 2025
