Michelle Reed Baker was second horn of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra from 1990-2017. Prior, she was a member of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and a regular substitute with the New York Philharmonic. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Houston and her master's degree from The Juilliard School.These days, Michelle is focusing on teaching, doing masterclasses, spending time with family, playing piano at church, and free-lancing. Michelle serves on the faculty of Manhattan School of Music where she is also the Chair of the Brass Department.

She has performed several times with Michael Buble and Sting, recorded and performed with James Taylor and Harry Connick, Jr., and can be heard on the soundtracks for many movies. Her recordings include the Hindemith Sonata for Alto Horn with pianist David Korevaar. Michelle also commissioned and recorded a piece for low horn entitled Imaginings, written by Dorothy Gates.