BURNET TUTHILL was born in New York City in 1888 and attended the prestigious Horace Mann School, followed by Columbia University and the Cincinnati College of Music. His father, an architect and amateur cellist, designed Carnegie Hall. Tuthill played clarinet in the Columbia University orchestra while in high school and later became its conductor.

In 1922 Tuthill became general manager of the Cincinnati Conservatory and entered its Master’s program in 1930. After receiving his degree he became director of Southwestern College (now Rhodes College) in Memphis and also became director of Memphis Conservatory which merged with Southwestern. In 1938 he founded the Memphis Symphony which he conducted until 1946. His students included the renowned exploratory musician Moondog.

Tuthill founded the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) in 1924 and served as its secretary until 1959.  He also founded the Society for the Publication of American Music (SPAM) in 1919, whose publications are still available from Theodore Presser Company.

Tuthill composed over 100 works, most of which were published.  These include a cross-section of compositions for orchestra, chorus, concertos for many instruments, and chamber music. The composer died in 1982.

last updated April 14, 2020
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