
About Wicked Keys
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Our Founder and Philosophy
Wicked Keys was founded by Australian keyboardist James Baker with a mission to provide top-quality contemporary teaching resources and modern sheet music arrangements. Drawing on James’ extensive experience as a musician, educator, and composer, Wicked Keys bridges the gap between traditional teaching methods and the demands of modern music.
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Our Arrangements
Every arrangement from Wicked Keys is designed with tangible contemporary music theory in mind. From left-hand chordal interpretations in beginner-friendly pieces to typical pop/rock voicings like add9s, sus4s, dom7s, and m7s in intermediate arrangements, our music serves as a starter guide to the "juicy stuff." Advanced pieces go deeper, featuring standard jazz/gospel voicings and passing chords to challenge and inspire seasoned players.
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Our Approach to Contemporary Theory
At Wicked Keys, we place chords at the center of everything. Contemporary playing is all about improvisation and interpretation rather than rigidly "playing the notes." Our charts include chord symbols, encouraging players to use the written music as a rough guide and embrace the freedom to interpret. This philosophy ensures that every musician can bring their unique voice to their performance—because at Wicked Keys, creativity and expression are key.
About James

Does James Actually Know What He’s Talking About?
In short, yes. Since the age of 15, James has been immersed in music—on stage, in the studio, and in the orchestra pit. A versatile and accomplished musician, his career spans multiple disciplines and countless venues worldwide.
A Career of Depth and Versatility
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As a Green Room Award-winning musical director and accompanist, James has spearheaded vocal coaching, band leading, and live performances in musicals and cabarets. His work has graced stages from Melbourne, Australia, to Edinburgh, UK.
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As a session musician, James has lent his expertise as a keyboardist to recording studios, corporate bands, and tribute shows. Whether it’s crafting original works or bringing covers to life, his adaptability sets him apart.
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As a composer, James has created original music for cabaret and theatre, earning acclaim at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
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As a student, he honed his craft under the guidance of notable Melbourne musicians Marina Kostromin, Darren Wicks, and Jack Pantazis at NMIT (now Melbourne Polytechnic).
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As an educator, James has over a decade of experience teaching one-on-one contemporary piano lessons. He has also served as an accompanist, band leader, and musical director for more than 100 Music 1 HSC students, guiding them through their final performance exams.
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As a musician, he knows his craft and understands the critical skills musicians need in today’s industry

The Journey Begins:
James’ passion for piano began at age 12. After convincing his parents, he started traditional lessons but quickly realized the limitations of “reading the dots” in modern music. Taking matters into his own hands, he taught himself to play by ear using CDs and online chord sheets.
By age 15, James was already performing for tips at a local café and landed his first gig as a rehearsal pianist and keyboardist for the musical RENT. His talents saw him climb the ranks, becoming assistant musical director for Beauty and the Beast at 16 and musical director and band leader for High School Musical at 17—all while cutting his teeth in the pub rock scene with his first covers band, "Good Time Charlie."

Building On Success
After honing his skills in musical theatre and live gigs, James moved from Wagga Wagga to Melbourne to study at NMIT, where he took short courses under esteemed musicians Enio Pozzebon, Marina Kostromin, Jack Pantazis, and Darren Wicks. It was there he discovered a love for jazz harmony and gospel music, which would go on to influence his distinctive style.

While still a student, James received a Green Room Award for Musical Direction and performed with his musical comedy group at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. This success led them to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where they played to sold-out crowds at the prestigious Gilded Balloon venue.
Recognizing the value of hands-on experience, James made the bold decision to leave his studies early to pursue professional opportunities. This leap of faith paid off, as he established himself as a full-time musician across live performances, recording sessions, theatre productions, and cabaret shows.

A New Chapter
By 2023, after running a thriving teaching studio in Australia for nearly a decade, James decided to close the doors on his physical location, sell off his instruments, and embark on an international journey. Now working exclusively online, he takes on a select number of intermediate and advanced students seeking to enhance their contemporary piano skills.
A Modern Approach to Piano Education
James specializes in pop, rock, jazz, and musical theatre, offering a fresh perspective on piano education. His teaching emphasizes practical chord theory, scale/chord shortcuts, improvisation, and interpretation—all tailored to modern music. Whether you’re looking to master “reading the dots” or expand your creative expression, James equips his students with the tools to succeed in today’s music landscape.