Biography

Dr. David Baker is a bassist, arranger, composer, and educator serving as Assistant Professor and Area Coordinator of Jazz & Commercial Music at Utah Valley University. He directs the UVU Jazz Orchestra and leads the development of curriculum and programming across the jazz and commercial music areas. His work as a performer, arranger, and organizer is closely tied to the non-profit Hot House West, where he contributes as a staff arranger, performer, and program leader supporting Utah’s acoustic music communities.

Dr. Baker holds a Doctor of Arts in Jazz Studies from the University of Northern Colorado, with emphases in both performance and composition. His performance credits include appearances at Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Vail Jazz Festival, Moab Music Festival, The Jazz Education Network Conference, the International Society of Bassists Conventions, the Gene Harris Jazz Festival, and the Kingsbury Hall. His versatility as a bassist has led him to work in jazz clubs, symphonic halls, pit orchestras, and recording studios, including performances with the Colorado Symphony, Ulysses Owens Jr., Carmen Bradford, Bob Sheppard, Frankie Avalon, and The Platters.

An active researcher and clinician, Dr. Baker has presented at the International Society of Bassists Conventions (2019, 2021, 2023, 2025) and Jazz Education Network Conferences (2015, 2019, 2024). He is a frequent guest clinician at universities and music festivals across the Mountain West and was most recently an invited adjudicator and clinician at the 2025 UMEA State Jazz Festival. His research explores early jazz history, pluralism, and music education philosophy.

Education

Teaching

Presentations