This great musical genius started his training as a boy in the choir of the Cathedral of Ávila. In view of his talent, as a teenager he was sent to Rome, where he stayed for almost 30 years, alternating his learning with his work as a teacher and priest.

He returned to Spain around 1594 to live in Madrid as the royal chaplain. After many years in different places on the peninsula and in Europe, he withdrew to the Convent of the Royal Barefoot Sisters in the capital, where he worked as the organist until his death.