He became maestro de capilla at Palencia Cathedral (c.1740-c.1757) and at the Royal Convent of La Encarnación, Madrid.
Early in August 1738, he was named second organist in the cathedral and in September was appointed maestro de capilla through open competition.
In 1747 he was ordained priest and remained at Palencia until at death of José Mir y Lusa, maestro at the Royal Convent of La Encarnación, Madrid.
Only three years after his arrival in Madrid he started his activity as a theatrical composer in association with the playwright Ramón de la Cruz, with whom he helped create the national zarzuela style.
In 1777, taking advantage of his high standing in society, Rodríguez wrote a report on the state of music in Spain and demanded the creation of an Academy of Music to promote a Spanish style – though his own definition of the new Spanish style included many French and Italian characteristics.