Andrea Gabrieli studied under Adrian Willaert in Venice, where Willaert served as maestro di cappella at St. Mark's. Multiple sources identify Gabrieli as a prominent disciple of Willaert, indicating that his early musical formation took place under the Flemish master's guidance. This period likely occurred during the mid‑16th century, potentially when Gabrieli was at an early age.
Willaert was distinguished as a teacher who maintained high standards for both singing and composition. Gabrieli was part of a notable group of students that included Cipriano de Rore and Gioseffo Zarlino. As one of Willaert's successors, Gabrieli cultivated the antiphonal and polychoral styles that his teacher had established, helping to define the Venetian School of composition.
