German composer and teacher who is known for being the father of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and for writing an influential violin textbook called Versuch einer gründlichen Violinschule (A Treatise on the Fundamental Principles of Violin Playing). He is responsible for teaching his daughter, Nannerl, and Wolfgang music at a young age.
He received a degree in Philosophy in 1938 from the Benedictine University in Salzburg and began his music career in 1940.
He was chosen to be a part of the musical establishment of Count Leopold Anton von Firmian, the ruling Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg.
He married Anna Maria Pertl in 1747 and they had seven children, although five out of the seven died as infants.
He had a difficult relationship with his son Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.