Craig Cootsona began playing drums at age 11 and soon developed a love for the instrument. He received formal education in school concert bands and also learned drum set by playing along with his favorite recordings.

He considers himself fortunate to have woven a passion for music into funding for education, because this opened up many career opportunities and taught him how to read and transcribe charts. After high school Craig leveraged music scholarships to fund a bachelor's of science degree at University of Puget Sound.  Once he stepped into the Olympia music scene, he played every gig that came his way to fund a master's degree at University of Washington College of Forestry. He formed so many friendships that he continued to play music throughout his career as a scientist at Weyerhaeuser. Now Craig owns his own manufacturing business and it allows him even more time to enjoy music.

Craig first hit the music scene in Olympia, playing jazz with Steve Munger, Syd Potter, and Bill Duris in “Size 4.” After a few years of gigging he met Bert Wilson and became a member of Bert’s group “Rebirth” from about 2006 until Bert’s death in 2013. They hosted sessions attended by musicians like Chuck Stentz, Lenny Pickett, and Jeff Coffin. Bert’s characteristically challenging phrasings helped Craig broaden his skills and find his own voice to interpret the music. Craig plays styles including jazz, rock, funk, contemporary Christian, and classical. Craig enjoys the opportunity to meet and work with many different musicians whose influences remain instrumental in his lifelong journey to improve his craft. He believes music fosters an appreciation for creativity, expression, and diversity that "washes away the dust of everyday life."

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