He completed a music degree in piano and cello from the University of Santo Tomas where he also taught for decades until his death in 1988.

His songwriting credits include "Nahan, Kahit na Magtiis," and "Diligin Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa," "Pilipinas, Inang Bayan," "Isang Dalangin," "Kalesa," "Bato sa Buhangin" and "Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal".

His works embody a Filipino sense of musicality, and the classical sound of the kundiman is evident in some of his ballads.

As a boy, he was encouraged to learn the violin and was mentored by his mother, his godmother Doña Belen Aldaba Bautista and his first teacher, Jovita Tantoco.

His career as a musical director began in 1960 when he was discovered by Joseph Estrada playing as part of a band Cuenco formed with friends at an exclusive restaurant in Makati.