He began his piano studies at the age of seven, influenced by his musical household: his father was the director of the Choir of Pinar del Río and teacher of music theory and harmony, and his mother taught musical literature. He studied under Rosa María Tolón, Loli Novás, Andrés Alén, Jorge Gómez Labraña, and Silvio Rodríguez Cárdenas. As a student, he participated in the Amadeo Roldán Competition, winning awards and honorary mentions in successive years. He also participated in national festivals of contemporary music, chamber music, and jazz, and was a member of student groups. At the age of 13 he recorded with the pianist José María Vitier, and this experience stirred his interest in various genres of Cuban popular music and jazz. Also during his years as a student he recorded music for documentaries and fiction films with Leo Brouwer.