My name is Carl M. Tootle and I’ve been a professional songwriter, composer, arranger, performer, and producer for most of my life. Like many, my musical journey began as a youngster in my high school stage band, not just as a performer but also as a composer and arranger. From 1967-1971 I attended various jazz and stage band clinics, and received piano instruction from Toshiko Akiyoshi. I also attended summer school at Berklee School of Music in Boston, receiving piano instruction from Ray Santisi. From there I worked as musician, arranger and composer in Sacramento, Reno and Tucson areas.
I received my Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition in 1971 from California State University at Sacramento, which included private instruction on piano, organ, percussion and tympani. Shortly thereafter I worked “on the road” as professional musician and arranger. Booked through Joy Healey at George Hunt Agency, Los Angeles. I also played in various groups in San Francisco, Honolulu, Pasadena, various cities in Iowa and Wisconsin.
I was a guest lecturer on Sound Recording Law at the University of Arizona from 1982 to 2014. I continue to work in the music profession today with an emphasis in writing and recording original works.