Edu-Tainer Extraordinaire

Melissa Baikie-Rick brings over 30 years of experience as an entertainer—vocalist, actress, writer, comedian, and instrumentalist. She has shared her love of the arts through extensive volunteer work at the Woodland Opera House, her family church, in Colusa County schools, and at the Williams Community Center.  

As the founder of Light in the Sky Music with Melissa, she teaches concert band instruments, voice, theater, comedy, and performance skills with a focus on helping students discover confidence on stage and in public speaking or presentation skills. 

Melissa’s musical journey was shaped by inspiring mentors, including her high school teacher, Ron Simmons (in memory, 2022), flute studies with Dr. Allan Miller, and vocal studies with Joaquina Calvo-Johnson. She also holds a degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Industrial Organization, which influences her holistic, student-centered approach to teaching.

In addition to music, Melissa has developed marketing and technology skills through years of nonprofit work. She now offers résumé writing, branding, and website development services for entertainers and small business owners.

Melissa and her husband, Aaron, live in rural Colusa County with their son, Logan, close to her mother, Sharon. The whole family is active at the Woodland Opera House (WOH), where in Fall 2023 they performed together in The Addams Family: A New Musical—Melissa as Grandmama, Aaron as Lurch, and Logan as Cave-Boy Addams.  In spring 2025, Melissa served as the Music Director for WOH's production of The Big One-Oh!, Jr. and most recently, Melissa and her son Logan, had the pleasure of providing musical direction and sound tech support (respectively) in the Woodland Opera House Summer Outreach production of Disney's Frozen, Kids, in Esparto, CA.  

Her latest adventure is relocating her programs to a kid-safe and affordable location!  Also, there is the launch of her newest service, "Musical Moments", which offers parents a musically enriching hour for their children while they enjoy a much-needed break. Think of Melissa as a Musical-Magician, hired to provide guilt free "edu-tainment!"