Around 1550 Costanzo Porta studied under Adrian Willaert in Venice, where Willaert served as maestro di cappella at St. Mark's. Porta entered Willaert's school during this period and received his musical training directly from the renowned Flemish master, who was then one of the most influential teachers in Italy.
While studying with Willaert, Porta became acquainted with fellow student Claudio Merulo, forming a lifelong friendship. The years of study in Venice under Willaert significantly shaped Porta's contrapuntal skill and stylistic orientation, and the influence of Willaert's teaching remained evident in Porta's music throughout his life.
