He received his first musical notions from his father, who was an organist, and at the age of nine he entered the nursery school of El Pilar and the Seo in Zaragoza, where he continued his training. There he studied harmony with Arnaudas and worked as an organist at the seminary in San Carlos, where he also received lessons from Alejo Cuartero and advice from Emilio Vega. At the age of 17 he conducted the Municipal Band of Daroca and was organist of the Basilica of Los Sagrados Corporales in his hometown.