Irish pianist and composer John Field began his music studies as a boy with his father. He made his first public appearance at the piano at the age of 9. One year later, his family decided to move to London so that he could study with famed composer Muzio Clementi. As an adult, Field settled in Russia where he led a successful life. He was known for his ability to perform expressively, and this quality carried over into many of his better-known compositions. Chopin was later influenced by Field’s work.