Cheryl Baker holds a Masters in Music from University of Nevada Las Vegas, with an emphasis in Orff Schulwerk and a Bachelors of Fine Arts in drama from University of Montana Missoula. She is a Level III Orff graduate.She has been teaching for 28 years, interrupted only for travel to Great Britain and Chile. Her first teaching job was teaching K-12th grade, general music, band, choir and drama in Montana. In California she taught 1-6 grades general music. Nevada was where she began her education in Orff Schulwerk, teaching kindergarten through 5th grade. Currently, Cheryl is teaching K-6 in Virginia.She is a regular presenter for the Desert Valley-Chapter of AOSA. Cheryl has a quirky sense of humor that her students and colleagues love, and generates lots of fun during her sessions. She has presented at district in-services with songs and activities and using technology in the classroom. While in Las Vegas, Cheryl arranged and directed songs for the annual District Orff Festival for many years. She has great rapport with the choir of 250 students every year.She caught the attention of the district leaders with her Broadway Jr. musicals at her schools with 4th and 5th graders. Many of her students have since gone on to continue their studies in music and theatre.Outside of school, Cheryl participates in community theatre, acting and directing. She won an ELLY award for best director of a musical for Annie at Stockton Civic Theatre in Stockton, California. She loves comedy and Broadway musicals, and has been in, directed or worked on over 70 shows so far.Cheryl has a unique mixture of talents in music, drama and is an excellent speaker and leader. Her mission is to make a difference in the lives of everyone she meets, as a musician, a trainer and as an educator.

“Where does a music teacher turn for great ideas, inspiration, or problem solving? To a Master Teacher, of course! Cheryl Baker has spent her career collecting lessons, experiences, and resources that she shares expertly and generously in Lessons from the Music Room. Any elementary music teacher, newbie to veteran, can benefit from the wealth of information in this amazing resource.” ~Pamela Wilson, B.M., M.S., Music Teacher and Author of Say Yes to the Universe: Create a Life You Love“Cheryl has a matter of fact way of explaining complex idea with great compassion. She includes sage advice on so many subjects like how to deal with angry students with quiet words and how to get through tough moments. She gives supply ideas and sample forms that would make any music teacher giddy. Also included are chapters for dealing with parents and administrators, things I wouldn’t have thought of!” ~Laura Lamb, Veteran Music Teacher“I especially like your use of voice; it feels as if you are having a conversation with an old friend or mentor.” ~Sue DeHart, Music Teacher “I believe you covered everything that we, administrators, would need to know.” ~Susie Gant, Administrator“A book like this would have helped me when I was starting out.” ~Buddy Collier, veteran music teacher“The book will be a great asset to many beginning teachers.” ~Cassie Steitle, Music Teacher“I love how detailed you are in this book in terms of transitions, handling the students, and preparing the music classroom.” ~Carlos Marin, Music Education Student