William Toutant was born in Worcester, Massachusetts.  He received his BA and MA from The George Washington University and his Ph.D. in music theory and composition from Michigan State University.  He joined the music faculty of California State University, Northridge in 1975.  During the next 38 years he not only taught in the Department of Music, but he also served in a variety of administrative positions including Dean of the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication. For eighteen years wrote and hosted the weekly radio program, “The KCSN Opera House.”  He became Professor Emeritus in May 2013.  His music is available on North/South, Capstone, Centaur, Phasma, Ariel and Navona records.  He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Ligia Toutant.