Hi, I’m Chris Baker — a drummer, percussionist, and music educator with significant experience in performance, studio work, and teaching. I grew up in Warwickshire with British and Guyanese parents, starting out on drum kit and trombone through school ensembles, youth jazz orchestras and bands of all types.
As a teenager I studied with Nigel Thomas (LSO The Blue Nile) Paul Brook (Gregg Lake) and later Bob Armstrong in London before moving to Los Angeles to study with Joe Porcaro, Ralph Humphrey, and Steve Houghton. I’ve since performed across Europe and the Americas, including regular London work at Ronnie Scott’s and the 100 Club. Studio credits include Olympic, BBC, Genetics, and Battery, with producers like Warne Livesey, Mike Hedges, and Martin Rushent.
Alongside performing, I’ve designed & delivered courses at London Higher, Adult & Further Education institutions earning “Outstanding” feedback and championed meaningful one-to-one teaching that helps students find their own sound.
I also founded headhandsnfeet, exploring rhythm as a tool for wellbeing and accessibility, supported by ongoing research into music-for-wellbeing practices. I’m driven by cultural curiosity and a love of diverse musical traditions.
