composition and music theory in 1823–1829
Chopin began private theoretical studies with Józef Elsner in 1822 before entering the Warsaw Conservatory under his direction in 1826, where Elsner taught him figured bass, music theory, and composition. Elsner described Chopin in his final conservatory report as a student of exceptional talent and a musical genius, and he encouraged his individuality by avoiding restrictive methods. Chopin dedicated to Elsner both his Variations for piano and orchestra on Mozart’s "La ci darem la mano" and his First Piano Sonata, works composed during his years of study.
