Michael Payne

Michael Payne is a classically trained singer, teacher, and musical director based in Los Angeles. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance degree from Lee University (Cleveland, TN) and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance degree from Missouri State University (Springfield, MO). 

He made his Carnegie Hall solo debut with Manhattan Opera Studio in 2017 and was a part of the inaugural Teatro Nuovo (formerly Bel Canto at Caramoor) in 2018. Michael was able to represent his country twice in the 2013 and 2017 inaugurations at the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. He has been on numerous music tours across the nation, and internationally to Ireland and South Africa. He was an avid performer with Ozark Lyric Opera under the mentorship of Michael Spyers. 

In addition to classical music, Michael found a love for musical theatre direction in Missouri. He was the music director for many shows at Marshfield Community Theatre (Annie, Seussical, Mamma Mia!) and Spectra Theatre Co (Spring Awakening, Head Over Heels). Upon moving to Los Angeles, he was selected to become the music director of the new musical Authenticity written by Johnny Cassidy. 

Memorable roles include Chelio (The Love for Three Oranges), Sparafucile (Rigoletto), Sarastro (Die Zauberflöte), Bartolo (Le Nozze di Figaro), and Timur (Turandot). Michael currently performs as the bass section leader at Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church and is a voice faculty member at California State University Dominguez Hills.