In the ever-evolving world of music, we’re proud to have instructors like Nanci Baker who shine as both creators and educators.
As an audio adjunct instructor at SAE Institute New York, she brings a wealth of experience, from growing up in a musical family to founding her own production company, Ninety Three CP. Known for her work with artists, producing documentaries, managing shows, and more, Nanci brings passion, talent, and real-world expertise to the classroom.
Follow along as she shares insights on what inspired her to pursue a music career, her advice for women in the industry, and what makes teaching at SAE Institute NYC so special.
Who or what inspired you to work in music?
I’ve been involved in music since my teenage years, growing up in a musical family. I started playing instruments at the age of three, and with my parents being deeply involved in the church, I began managing sound and handling engineering tasks from a young age. Music truly runs in my veins. It’s second nature to me, and I keep my inspiration alive by exploring new experiences—whether it’s taking on unfamiliar challenges or working with artists who are still shaping their sound. This pushes me to discover and study music from fresh perspectives.
You’re involved in so much both inside and outside the classroom. What are some of your favorite projects or achievements that stand out to you?
I’m incredibly proud of creating my consultation and production company, “Ninety Three CP,” which I use every day. Through it, I’ve produced documentaries, managed SXSW indie artist shows, executive produced several albums, and provided direction and guidance to artists—all under this umbrella. It gives me the freedom to wear many hats and tailor my creative approach to each project. Every day brings something new and different. No two days are the same.
In your opinion, how can aspiring female audio professionals build confidence in a male-dominated field?
The best way to build confidence is by ensuring you can deliver on what you promise. The music industry is full of people who “fake it till they make it,” and as a woman in this space, you’re already facing added challenges when you walk into a room. That’s why it’s crucial to be confident in your abilities and to have control over your emotions and how you perceive situations. By mastering your knowledge and skills so thoroughly that they become second nature, even when others might want to say no, they’ll be left with no choice but to say yes.
What do you enjoy most about teaching at SAE Institute New York?
What I love most about SAE NYC is the eagerness to learn from the students and the strong support from the staff. The music culture in NYC is truly unique—it’s a city of dreams. When students come in with big aspirations, I make it a point to offer them practical, real-life advice that could help them achieve the goals they’re working towards.
Which artist(s) are you currently listening to?
My music playlist is literally all over the place right now, but my current top 5 would be: Leon Thomas, FLO, Jordan Adetunji, Kash Doll and Wizkid.
To connect with Nanci, check her out on Instagram @ntgengineering and @ninetythreecp. For more information about SAE Institute New York or our Audio programs, visit us online at usa.sae.edu or call the campus directly at 212-944-9121.
