Elizabeth Ann Baker has studied piano with Steinway Artist Dr. Luis Sanchez, and currently studies with Jeff Donovick. She studied Classical Guitar Performance with Edward Lugo and Mark Switzer at Florida Southern College. In addition, she studied music theory with Rita Fandrich at Florida Southern College as well as with Dr. Vernon Taranto and Jeff Donovick at Saint Petersburg College. Miss Baker has performed in master classes on classical guitar for Jason Vieaux and Dr. Stephen Robinson. She has also played her solo piano compositions in master class for Emmy award winning composer Larry Groupé, who referred to her work as “Perfect.” comparing one of her compositions to the level of Debussy’s Engulfed Cathedral. Baker has played piano in master class for concert pianist Michelle Huang and was invited to study with composer David Cope at the University of California—Santa Cruz’s prestigious Workshop on Algorithmic Computer Music.
In 2005, Baker began experimenting within the electronic music medium. Employing techniques and merging characteristics from all her studies in functional tonality, pantonal music, chance, field recordings, eastern philosophies, analog synthesis, spoken word and other various genres; Baker created a sound that is both skillful in its balance and unique in it’s sound. Baker has performed around the state and country in a solo electronic project under the pseudonym Suitcases of Sound. In December 2012 her electroacoustic work Three Aspects of Art As An Allegory received an award for Best Audio Production at St. Petersburg College.
As a composer, Baker perceives the extrinsic aesthetic of her works as a series of musical paintings and collections as a feature in a gallery. Each piece has multiple micro and macro meanings from the composer’s perspective; however, it is intended that, in addition to the predilections outlined by the composer in the program notes, each audience member experiences the work and it’s applicable emotion relevant to their life and experience of the music. Baker likens the role of the composer to that of a philosopher; each ponders the world, universe, and nature of the human condition; except whereby the philosopher uses the medium of ink, paper, and his native tongue to communicate his theories the composer does so through the universal language of sound.
As a performer and recording artist she has become known for her “terrifying dynamic range,” cleanliness of sound, soulful interpretations as well as unique sensitivity and ability to sculpt her performance for the acoustics of a space. This understanding carries over into her compositions, making for a spatial and auditory experience of music. Elizabeth is dedicated to promoting the performance of new music especially to those communities for whom premieres as well as concerts of rare works are few and far between.
“It is the divine destiny of a performer to fill the ether with sweet melodies amid colorful harmonies, born and reborn. Devoid of this celestial calling, past and present music to future generations would become as that of the ancient Greeks, an archaic preoccupation studied in great detail, but whose sounds are lost to the ages.” – Elizabeth A. Baker
Ever committed to music education and community involvement, Baker is frequently featured as a guest speaker in local grade schools, retirement communities, and recreation centers. Her students in both piano and guitar have gone on to pursue music academically at colleges and universities including the University of Florida. In September of 2011, St. Petersburg College featured a concert of sixty-five minutes of her solo piano compositions. Baker has also been a featured presenter at TEDxYouthTampaBay, Tampa Bay’s Inaugural Mini Maker Faire, and Orlando’s First Mini Maker Faire.
Elizabeth A. Baker is a proud member of ASCAP, the Recording Academy, and Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity.
