Victor Payano’s was born in Santo Domingo however his life as a musician began in his adopted hometown of Carolina, Puerto Rico. Victor participated in the annual Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Festival with artists such as Tito Puente, Humberto Ramirez, Paquito D’ Rivera, Chocolate Armenteros, and Dave Valentín. He was selected by Heineken to audition student candidates that would go on to participate in the Berkley in Puerto Rico Yearly Jazz Program.
Victor obtained a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico, where he also taught Applied Saxophone and Jazz Improvisation in its Extension Program for 10 years. In 2002 he earned his Master of Music in Jazz Performance from Florida International University in Miami, Florida, while working as an Adjunct Instructor for the Undergraduate Jazz Program at the same university.
After graduating Victor moved to Orlando where he taught Music at the Lake Sumter Community College and worked with several groups such as The Leesburg Jazz Repertory Orchestra directed by drummer Bob Grausso, The Orlando Concert Band and The Lake Saxophone Quartet. Recently, in conjunction with Producer and Percussionist Edgar Rodriguez, he organized the VIP Latin Jazz Band. The group performed weekly at Melao Restaurant Club during the year 2004 as well at Festivals in France and Concerts throughout Central Florida.