Encouraged to study violin, Rust was taught early on by his older brother, Johann Ludwig Anton, who was an accomplished musician with J.S.

[2] Rust also studied piano, particularly the works of Johann Sebastian Bach; he was able to play his collection of preludes and fugues in all keys Das Wohltemperierte Clavier from memory at the age of 13[2] or 16, according to other sources.

While there, he trained with Giovanni Battista Martini, Pietro Nardini, Gaetano Pugnani, Giuseppe Tartini and Georg Benda.

[2][7] In 1774, Rust was made court music director and married Henriette Niedhardt, a former pupil, who was a singer, with whom he had eight children.

[11] The sonatas were of interest as they appeared to be advanced for Rust's time, incorporating harmonic changes as well as counterpoint and even measures.

He wrote several large choral works, 100 lieder, and pieces for clavichord, viola d'amore, harp, lute, and "nail violin".

He composed a Schäferspiel, Korylas und Lalage, and technically demanding violin and piano works (including six sonatas).

His musical forte covered psalm settings for solo, chorus and orchestra, duodramas and monodramas.