Lisa Marie Baratta

I attribute my success to discipline, preparation, and a genuine love for music that drives me to continually stay sharp, reliable, and always improving. Being punctual, organized, and showing respect for every rehearsal, lesson, and performance has been central to building my reputation and creating opportunities throughout my career. Music has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and that passion naturally led me into a lifelong career in performance and teaching.

I have been working in the music field for 37 years, beginning as a performing musician and later expanding into school band directing and private instruction. My main areas of expertise include professional musicianship and music education, with extensive experience performing, teaching, and directing ensembles. My strongest skills include expert-level saxophone performance, developing music programs for schools, and providing high-quality private lessons to students of all ages.

Among my most notable achievements is performing as lead in a black-tie orchestra for ten years—a role that required professional excellence and allowed me to showcase my musicianship at a prestigious level. I am also proud of my 22-year tenure creating and directing band programs for schools that previously had none, providing students with meaningful opportunities to learn, perform, and grow through music.

The best career advice I ever received came from my mentor, a fellow musician who has since passed away. Their guidance played a pivotal role in shaping both my musicianship and my confidence. I am deeply grateful for their mentorship, which not only opened doors for me but also helped me refine my dedication to my craft. The experience taught me the immense value of mentorship within the music community and how it can shape a lifelong career.

My advice to young women entering the music industry is to stay committed and practice consistently—persistence is everything. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks, and always put yourself out there. Show up early, stay prepared, and make a strong, positive impression in every room you enter. Your dedication, professionalism, and passion will set you apart and open doors over time.

One of the greatest challenges in the music industry is securing consistent work, especially early in a career. However, once momentum builds, opportunities tend to flow more naturally. The industry demands resilience, strong relationship-building skills, and a commitment to staying visible and prepared at all times. Every rehearsal, performance, and networking opportunity is a chance to strengthen your reputation and open doors for future growth.

In both my work and personal life, I value staying active, nurturing creativity, and embracing new experiences. I enjoy working out, singing karaoke—especially Bonnie Raitt songs—and spending quality time with my dog, Willie. Professionally, I continue to explore new creative opportunities, transitioning from directing children’s bands to teaching private college-level students, while always staying passionate about music and lifelong learning.