Allison Payonk

Saxophone, Flute, and Clarinet

Allison is a musician and educator based in Minneapolis, MN. She holds a degree in Music Education with a minor in Jazz Studies from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Through her studies she performed with a large variety of ensembles in jazz and classical styles, performing on all the different types of saxophones, flute, and clarinet. During her studies, she taught private saxophone lessons and played with a variety of rock and jazz groups in the community.

Following college, Allison moved to the twin cities to expand her performing and teaching opportunities. After teaching middle school and high school band in the Twin Cities metro during the pandemic, she became a substitute music teacher to focus time on playing. Allison has performed, toured parts of the country, and recorded with dozens of groups. 

Allison has extensive experience teaching students of all ages and abilities, as well as many different styles. She has taught students classical, jazz and improvisation, and contemporary styles, making a unique experience for all students. In her teaching, she has a strong focus on meeting students where they are and helping them get where they want to be.