Josef Pischna was born in Rtišovice [cz] near Příbram and studied oboe at the Prague Conservatory from 1840 to 1846.
[1] Of his compositions, the 60 Klavierübungen (60 Exercices progressifs - 60 Piano Exercises) have commanded an abiding importance.
In 1847 he graduated from the Royal Conservatory at Prague as an oboe player, however, as in all Continental schools, he was obliged to study piano in addition to the orchestral instrument.
He also had the thorough training in harmony, counterpoint, musical history, etc., which is demanded before the student is permitted to graduate.
Later he moved to Moscow, where he became Professor of Music in the endowed institute for young ladies of noble birth.