Carl Mussmann Biography

Carl started studying piano at the age of six in the public school system. After three years he moved on to private instruction. During that time Carl had a strong interest in performing in an improvisational manner on leaning more toward jazz piano styles. His interest in these styles prompted his instructor to teach Carl in music theory for jazz style piano. Carl excelled in this type of study and soon became interested in performing professionally.

Carl began playing professionally at the age of fourteen. He started playing in local rock groups for dances, festivals, and talent shows. At the age of seventeen he was performing in a group which played two to three nights a week in teen clubs, nightclubs and colleges and universities. He also participated in the Wisconsin Jaycee sponsored "Battle of the Bands". His group placed first in the state and won an all expense -  paid trip to Atlantic City to compete in the national Battle of the Bands in which his group placed fourth in the nation. Within a year of that contest Carl’s, group was signed to a recording contract by Capitol Records. His group recorded several records for Capitol Records, which were released and sold around the Midwest and received airtime on many mid-west radio stations. For the next 12 years, Carl continued to perform and record with several rock groups, show groups and lounge bands playing throughout the Midwest. He played in many of the finest hotels, restaurants, as well as private functions and festivals, including opening for national groups at major festivals.

After the years of playing in different groups Carl decided to become a soloist, playing piano in restaurants and hotels. See playing experience for a list of engagements which he played as a soloist. Many of the engagements overlap as Carl was often booked in multiple contracts at one time.