Nicolò Paganini was one of the most celebrated violinists of his time, and a pioneer of the Romantic era of music. He was born in Genoa, Italy, on October 27, 1782, to a musical family. His father, Antonio, was a mandolin player and taught Nicolò the basics of music. Nicolò soon showed a remarkable talent for the violin and was sent to study with various teachers in Genoa and Parma.