Tots Tolentino's interest in jazz began at age 16 upon hearing recordings by Charlie Parker.

He afterwards enrolled at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, under the tutelage of Joseph "Joe" Viola[4] where he graduated magna cum laude in 1982.

He was one of the founders and principal soloists of a large ensemble called The AMP Band,[21] consisting of members from the Asosasyon ng Musikong Pilipino,[22][23] hence its name.

Tots Tolentino helped organize the Asosasyon ng Musikong Pilipino (trans: Association of Filipino Musicians).

[22] to professionalize Filipino musicians wages, contracts and render financial assistance, legal counsel and coordination with government agencies.