Samane Paya is an Iranian composer, vocalist, and narrative artist whose music eloquently conveys both her inner experiences and her pursuit of artistic discovery. Her compositions span diverse formats including chamber, vocal, orchestral, and electronic works, reflecting her commitment to exploring innovative musical expressions rooted in her Iranian heritage. 

Having completed her Master of Music degree in Composition at Binghamton University under the mentorship of Daniel Thomas Davis, Paya also focused on vocal performance under Brenda Iglesias. She is currently a PhD student in Composition at the University of California, Davis, where she has been awarded a fellowship and serves as a Teaching Assistant and Graduate Assistant. Her formal education began in Iran, where she earned her Bachelor of Music in Composition from Tehran University of Art, studying with distinguished faculty including Mohammad Reza Tafazoli, Rebeka Ashoughian, and Arman Norouzi.
Paya's recent compositional achievements include "Whisper in Wind" for Coy Mistress Quartet, electronics, and voice, where she also performed as vocalist; "Into Night," commissioned for the Pocket Opera Project in collaboration with Tri-Cities Opera and WSKG Channel; and "Elegy for String Quartet" premiered by the Momenta Quartet. Her growing portfolio demonstrates versatility across multiple formats, from solo instrumental works to chamber ensembles and operatic compositions.

Her collaborative spirit has led to partnerships with several prominent ensembles including Hub New Music and Modern Medieval Voices, establishing her presence in contemporary classical music circles. As both composer and performer, Paya brings a unique perspective to her work, often integrating her vocal abilities into her compositions.

Before relocating to the United States, Paya was an active soprano member of Tonal Choir, one of Iran's premier choral groups, participating in international festivals including the Seghizzi Festival in Italy. Her performance background enriches her compositional approach, informing her understanding of vocal writing and ensemble dynamic.

Paya's professional experience extends to education, having taught Music Theory, Solfege, and Choral lessons at Behsan School of Music for two years, while also providing piano instruction at various music institutes throughout Tehran. Currently, she serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Binghamton University, where she has received both the prestigious Akbari Music Program Grant and the Harpur College Full Tuition Scholarship.