James Baker graduated with degrees in music from State University of New York at Purchase and Juilliard, where he studied percussion and conducting.
[1] He began a long time collaboration with choreographer Tere O'Connor and has composed numerous works for Tere O'Connor Dance, including Bessie Award winner Heaven Up North.
Baker works as Principal Percussionist for the New York City Ballet Orchestra and serves as director of the Percussion Ensemble at the New School, Mannes College of Music.
[3] Baker appears as director on recordings including the CD, David Felder: Boxman (2002).
He appears as percussionist on recordings including Millennial Masters Vol.