Education
Ph.D. Music Education | 2024
Temple University
Completing the requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education and Choral Conducting. Research focusing on the Imposter Phenomenon in various areas of music education.
M.A. Teaching | 2017
University of Central Missouri
Completed the requirements for a Master of Arts in Teaching.
Focus areas included Content Area Literacy and Instructional Technology.
BFA Theater & Voice | 2015
University of Kansas
Completed the requirements for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater and Voice Performance. Earned a Research Endorsement for work in musical theater history.
Teaching Experience
2020 - 2024
Teaching Assistant
Temple University
Worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the following courses:
Assessment of Music Learning, Music Learning and Development
Teaching General Music in Inclusive Populations,
Teaching Students with Special Needs, Teaching Choral Music in Inclusive Populations, School Choral Ensembles, Jazz Vocal Education, and Instrumental Jazz Education.
2018-2020
Director of Choirs
Olathe East HS
Oversaw a program including five curricular ensembles, two mainstage musicals and two chamber musicals each year.
Premiered works by Libby Larsen and Ryan Main.
2015-2018
Assistant Director of Choirs
Liberty Senior HS
Lead taught two curricular ensembles and one extra-curricular chamber ensemble. Co-taught and accompanied an additional three curricular ensembles and one extra-curricular chamber ensemble.
Professional Experience & Training
2020 - 2023
Collaborative Pianist
Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus
Served as rehearsal assistant and accompanist for the primary ensemble of the Philadelphia Gay Men's chorus. Accompany and guest conduct the PGMC's chamber ensemble, Brotherly Love (BROLO).
2016 - Present
Director of Music Ministry
Various Locations
Served as the Director of Music Ministry in various congregations, including Northminster Presbyterian in Englewood, MO (2016-2018), First Lutheran in Mission Hills, KS (2018-2020), Atonement Lutheran in Philadelphia, PA (2021-2022), and the Unitarian Society of Germantown in Philadelphia, PA (2022-Current).
2019
Conducting Fellow
Orthodox Music Workshop
Invited as a Conducting Fellow to the Orthodox Choral Music Workshop at William Jewell College in Liberty, MO. Workshop faculty included Dr. Anthony Maglione (William Jewell College), Benedict Sheehan (St. Tikhon's Monastery), and Dr. Vladimir Morosan (Musica Russica).
2022 - 2023
Graduate Music Fellow
The Presser Foundation
Selected as the inaugural Graduate Music Fellow for The Presser Foundation. Duties will include attending and reviewing performances funded by The Foundation, as well as opportunities to collaborate and receive mentorship from the Board of Trustees.
2019
Continuing Education
Westminster Choir College
Took continuing education courses at Westminster Choir College, including History & Philosophy of Music Education (Dr. Janet Cape), Psychology of Music (Dr. Sangmi Kang), and Choral Music Education (Dr. Jason Vodicka).
Awards & Honors
2023
Finalist, American Prize
Baker's debut album, Walking Through the Valley: Choral Music from Black Composers 1919-2022 named a Finalist for the American Prize in Choral Performance, Professional Division
2023
Semifinalist, American Prize
Baker's debut album, Walking Through the Valley: Choral Music from Black Composers 1919-2022 named a Semifinalist for the Ernst Bacon American Prize for the Performance of American Music, Professional Division
2022
Presser Foundation
Graduate Music Award
Awarded the 2022 Presser Foundation Graduate Music Award at Temple University. The $10,000 award will fund a professional recording of choral works by black composers in the Summer of 2022.
2020
University Fellowship
Awarded a University Fellowship, the second highest graduate award at Temple University. The Fellowship offers a full-tuition remission alongside a generous stipend with no work requirements for Years 1 and 4 of the doctoral program. Fellows serve as Teaching Assistants in their home department for Years 2 and 3 of their program.
2018
Finalist, American Prize
Served as Assistant Director and Accompanist for the Liberty High School Chamber Choir who were named Finalists for the American Prize in Choral Performance, High School Division.
2015
Tom P. & Shirley Rea
Memorial Award
The University of Kansas denotes one graduating musician each year to receive the award. The award honors excellence in performance and collaboration throughout a student's degree.