Stephanie Payne views music as a way to help people make friends and connect with their community.
The Wyndham singer and teacher has started up a free ukulele group, which she hopes will bring together people from all corners of Wyndham.
The first ‘Wyndukes’ meeting was held last week, with eight people showing up to learn to play the four-string instrument.
Ms Payne, who has only recently started learning to play the ukulele herself, hopes the group’s members will be able to teach each other to play.
“We will learn, practise and master these four strings together, or die trying and laughing,” she said.
“It’s actually really easy to learn. You can get quite involved and play to a high level, but at a beginner’s level it’s remarkably easy to learn enough chords to play songs.
“It’s really easy to get started. Other instruments take much longer to get to this level.”
The group hopes to boost its numbers and eventually perform at community events.
Ms Payne, who has been involved in the music industry for 15 years, is best known for being part of folk group Paisley
and Plaid, a regular act at events across the western suburbs.
Ms Payne also has performed in acappella groups and runs community choirs and singing lessons in Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Melbourne and Geelong.
“I’ve been talking to the council about starting the group for about six months. I wanted to make it accessible to people,” she said.
“I’m a singing teacher but not an instrumentalist. I started playing the ukulele and started the group to give myself an excuse to practise,” she said.
Ms Payne believes music has an important role to play.
“It can help people have better lives,” she said. “Getting people involved in music and taking part in music helps them form friendships and networks.
“You can have some great experiences.”
Wyndukes meets at the old shire offices in Watton Street, Werribee, on Thursdays from 10-11am. New members need a basic ukulele to join.
For more details, visit www.wyndukes.com.au.
