Bailey Cook
Bailey Cook (she/they) is a dedicated teaching artist contributing to Sing Play Learn with MacPhail!®, Piano Individual Instruction, Group Instruction, and School Partnerships departments. Holding a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Music Education from Iowa State University, Bailey is deeply committed to innovative and adaptive teaching methodologies.
Their teaching philosophy is based on the belief that music is for all, and they are passionate about tailoring instruction to meet the unique needs of their students and nurture holistic musical development. As an educator, researcher, and musician, Bailey continuously refines their teaching methods to better serve the individual needs of their students. Bailey offers engaging music lessons for children and families, blending creativity with proven teaching techniques. From early childhood classes filled with joyful movement and song to personalized piano instruction, Bailey’s approach adapts to each student’s needs and goals. Students build musical skills, confidence, and a lifelong love for music through supportive, interactive learning experiences.
During their years at Iowa State University, Bailey actively engaged in the local music community, including singing in Cantamus Women’s Choir, performing with the Des Moines Community Orchestra as the soprano soloist in the Messiah, and working as the Assistant Director of the Ames Children’s Choirs. Simultaneously, they excelled as a private voice and piano instructor and contributed to music education research as a Research Assistant for Dr. Christina Svec.
Notably, Bailey and Dr. Svec presented a meta-analysis on music aptitude at the International Conference on Music Perception and Cognition in Graz, Austria in 2018. Following graduation from Iowa State, Bailey moved to Minneapolis where they taught elementary general music at a local public school for three years. Bailey completed their Level 1 Kodály Certification and Smithsonian Folkways Certification in World Music at the University of St. Thomas in 2021.
Bailey continues to engage in the Minneapolis community and is a highly sought-after musician, educator, and researcher. They currently teach at MacPhail Center for Music and serve on the Early Childhood Music & Movement Association Board as Treasurer, as well as sing in the Westwood Lutheran Church A Capella Choir, directed by G. Phillip Shoultz, III.
Outside of music and teaching, Bailey finds joy in reading, bicycling, and spending time with family & friends.
