Melissa Baker

About Melissa Baker

Producer and Director of Artistic Planning with extensive experience across all aspects of artistic administration, combined with an aesthetic sensibility for creating innovative programming and identifying outreach and educational opportunities. I have overseen all aspects of artistic administration: programming, marketing and communications, contracting, operations, and curriculum development. With a nod to presenting diverse musical perspectives from a wide array of artists, I have organized and performed in several innovative programs, from finding talented street artists for Trinity’s Subway Series to fully curating the Concerts at One: Sunken Cathedral series which commissioned works to raise awareness of water justice issues and climate change. I also helped to craft programs exploring artistic responses to environmental issues, engaging diverse artists like Bora Yoon, Helicon, and Canadian Brass. A passionate communicator and dedicated resource for artists, I have cultivated a reputation as a leader who creates community and builds sustained relationships. In addition to overseeing the hiring of all musicians for Trinity’s ensembles, I have been vital in raising Trinity’s profile through innovative and daring commissions and collaborations. In partnership with a range of producers, composers, and presenters including Ellen Reid, Du Yun, Philip Glass, Julia Wolfe, David Lang, John Luther Adams, Paola Prestini, Terry Riley, Luna Pearl Woolf, Beth Morrison Projects, National Sawdust, HERE, Prototype Festival, MATA Festival, Lincoln Center, and many others, I have been a key collaborator in the development of new works whose thematic materials range from gender equality and human trafficking to religious fundamentalism and sexual trauma. These collaborations were some of my favorite projects, amplifying marginalized voices and elevating programming that gives these voices a platform. Three of these projects—all by female composers—were awarded the Pulitzer Prize in music during my time at Trinity.

Experience

1. Director, Artistic Planning

   Trinity Church NYC

   Jan 2023 — Present

Education

• Rutgers University

  Doctorate of Musical Arts, Flute

  2007 — 2010

Skills

• Music Industry
• Musicians
• Community Outreach
• Ensemble
• Arts Administration
• Vocal
• Teaching
• Grant Writing
• Orchestral Music
• Fundraising
• Music Education
• Nonprofits
• Chamber Music
• Volunteer Management
• Performing Arts
• Music
• Event Planning
• Piano