Dr. David Baker is a bassist, arranger, composer, and recording engineer based in Utah. He serves as Assistant Professor and Area Coordinator of Jazz & Commercial Music at Utah Valley University, where he directs the Jazz Orchestra and oversees the commercial music curriculum. He is a co-founder and former board member of the non-profit organization Hot House West, and currently serves as Director of Westmoon Records as well as Music Director, bassist, and Staff Arranger for the Hot House West Swing Orchestra. Through these roles, he produces, arranges, and engineers acoustic recordings that emphasize historical performance practice and collaborative artistry.
A dedicated performer, David averages over 180 performances annually and appears regularly with the Hot House West Swing Orchestra, Nathan Royal Trio, Pompe n’ Honey, and The Elderblossoms. His credits include Jazz at Lincoln Center, Vail Jazz Festival, Moab Music Festival, International Society of Bassists Conventions, and Jazz Education Network Conferences. He has performed alongside artists such as Carmen Bradford, Corey Christiansen, and Ulysses Owens Jr.
David’s recording and mixing work underscores his commitment to musical integrity—capturing acoustic sounds with nuance and depth, and guiding projects from arrangement through final master with a focus on style, clarity, and cohesion.
Major: Jazz Studies
Major: Jazz Studies
Major: Music Performance
Advanced Small Ensembles, Spring 2025
Commercial Music Private Lessons, Spring 2025
Jazz Orchestra, Spring 2025
Private Lessons I, Spring 2025
Rhythm Section Workshop, Spring 2025
Studio Conducting, Spring 2025
I was awarded a department-level HIPs (High Impact Practices) Grant in order to support bringing guest artists to campus to work with commercial music students.
April 1, 2025 - Melissa Chilinski - Songwriting Masterclass
The Salt Lake City Art's Council "Mayor's Artist Awards" honor artists and arts organizations who have deeply enriched the cultural landscape of our city and the lives of our citizens. The award is expected to be announced publicly in Summer 2025.
The Best of State Judges are looking for individuals, businesses, and organizations that excel in their endeavors, use innovative approaches or methods, abd contribute to a better quality of life in Utah. When all applications are complete or at the end of the application deadline, more than 100 judges review the nominations. Each nomination is judged on its own merits and is not ranked against each other by the judges. This process is carefully overseen by the independent certified public accounting firm Gilbert & Stewart, P.C., which collects and tabulates the scores for accuracy.
I am a Co-Founder of the Hot House West Swing Orchestra and serve in the role of Music Director, Bassist, and Staff Arranger.
In 2025, Utah State Governor, Spencer Cox, awarded two Utah Governor's Mansion Artist Awards_ one two visual artist Emily Christensen McPhie and the other to Hot House West, the local music non-profit I helped found and for whom I currently serve in a director role. This award recognizes Utah artists for their contributions to the state's cultural and artistic landscape. Governor Cox recognized Hot House West's contributions to the arts scene, specifically our work in fostering community through music and mentorship.
