Dr. Sonya Gabrielle Baker

About

Dr. Sonya Gabrielle Baker is a Professor of Voice at James Madison University's School of Music in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where she directs the Baker Voice Studio. A soprano renowned for her performances of American music, Dr. Baker made her Carnegie Hall debut with conductor Michael Tilson Thomas performing Aaron Copland's works. She has performed nationally and internationally, including concerts in Havana, Cuba and at the World Equestrian Games opening ceremonies. Dr. Baker regularly tours as a soloist with the American Spiritual Ensemble and appears on their PBS documentary. Her scholarly work focuses on American women composers and the legacy of Marian Anderson. As an educator, she has held significant leadership roles including serving as Associate Dean at JMU and Murray State University, and serving on the Board of the Alliance for the Arts in Research Universities (a2ru). She is a former American Council on Education fellow and former Kentucky Governor for the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). The Baker Voice Studio is dedicated to cultivating an environment of support, encouragement, generosity, and kindness for fellow musicians while working consistently and intelligently to allow artistic selves to emerge and flourish.

Education & Qualifications

Yale University; Indiana University; Florida State University

Teaching Styles