He was born on March 8, 1714.¹⁾

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach was Johann Sebastian and Maria Barbara Bach's (Sebastian's first wife) second surviving son.²⁾

Aside from his father, Emanuel never had a music teacher. There is no indication that he studied any other instrument save the piano.³⁾

Emanuel studied law from 1731 and 1738, first at the University of Leipzig and subsequently at the University of Frankfurt a der Oder.⁴⁾

Emanuel supported himself while studying at the University of Frankfurt a der Oder by offering piano lessons and composing for or directing public performances and events. Emanuel's composing career took off during his time at university.⁵⁾