Franz Schubert

Age 11 (1808) – Joined the Imperial Court Chapel Choir
Joined the Imperial Court Chapel choir in Vienna.

Age 16 (1813) – Became a Schoolteacher
Left school and began working as a schoolteacher.

Age 18 (1815) – Composed Over 140 Songs in One Year
Composed more than 140 songs in a single year, including Erlkönig.

Age 19 (1816) – Abandoned His Law Studies
Studied law at the University of Vienna but later abandoned it to focus on music.

Age 20 (1817) – Experienced Unrequited Love
Fell in love with Therese Grob, who later married someone else.

Age 21 (1818) – Left Teaching
Quit teaching and struggled financially while relying on friends for support.

Age 22 (c. 1819) – Inspired the Schubertiads
Friends hosted intimate gatherings known as Schubertiads to perform and promote his music.

Age 23 (1820) – Was Briefly Arrested
Was briefly arrested with friends during a police raid.

Age 24 (1821) – Gained Public Recognition
His music gained wider recognition in Vienna through public performances and published works.

Age 27 (c. 1824) – Admired Beethoven from Afar
Deeply admired Ludwig van Beethoven but was too shy to approach him.

Age 30 (1827) – Carried a Torch at Beethoven’s Funeral
Served as a torchbearer at the funeral of Beethoven, whom he greatly admired.

Age 31 (1828) – Held His First Major Public Concert
Held a successful public concert in Vienna, then died later that year, leaving behind more than 600 songs.