Wade Baker

I am a GRAMMY Nominated educator, trumpeter, guitarist, bassist, pianist, singer/songwriter, composer/arranger, drummer and recording artist. I graduated from University of Indianapolis with a Bachelor’s of Arts with a concentration in Jazz Studies and the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music with a Master’s in Jazz Studies, specifically in trumpet. I am currently Director of Instrumental Music at Olney Central College and have taught at Lincoln Trail College Vincennes University in the past. I work with brass players, improvisors, singers, guitarists/bassists, pianists, drummers & songwriters/producers/composers in a wide age & stylistic range and assorted skill levels with a variety of musical goals. I can teach students to read music and pursue classical excellence, to learn how to play contemporary music using chord sheets, or both depending on the goals and preference of the student. My versatility, experience and formal training helps me to make the learning experience easy, stress free and fun. I can help any student to play or sing with freedom, confidence, and expression. As a professional recording artist I have frequently taken trips to New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, Chicago, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and many more cities for co-writing, recording, gigging and meeting with record labels. I have worked with well-known artists like Bootsy Collins (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), Philip Paul (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), Leroy Parnell (Country Music Legend), Marshall Jones (Original Bassist for Ohio Players), Liz Mandeville (Chicago Blues Hall of Fame), and Pinetop Perkins (GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award Winner). I love to mentor students who want to become effective, dynamic and versatile musicians. My personal passion is jazz, blues and soul music but I firmly believe that great technique is essential to any and every style. I look forward to meeting you and helping you to become a better musician!