<P> Nicanor Abelardo was born in San Miguel de Mayumo, Bulacan to Valentin Abelardo and Placida Santa Ana . His mother belonged to a family of artists in Guagua, the Henson . He was introduced to music when he was five years old when his father taught him the solfeggio and the banduria . Abelardo completed his first composition, a waltz entitled "Ang Unang Buko" dedicated to his grandmother, at the age of eight . By the age of thirteen, he was playing at saloons and cabarets in Manila, and by fifteen, he was teaching at barrio schools in San Ildefonso and San Miguel in Bulacan . </P> <P> In 1916, Abelardo entered the University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music, taking courses under Guy F. Harrison and Robert Scholfield . During his studies, he composed the melody of the university's official anthem, U.P. Naming Mahal . After earning a teacher's certificate in science and composition in 1921, he was appointed head of the composition department at the Conservatory in 1924 . Years later, he ran a boarding school for young musicians, among which were Antonino Vuenaventura, Alfredo Lozano, and Lucino Sacramento . </P> <P> Abelardo died in 1934 at the age of 41, leaving behind a collection of roughly 140 compositions . He is known for redefining the kundiman, bringing the form to art - song status . Notable among his works are' Nasaan Ka Irog," "Magbalik Ka Hirang," and "Himutok ." </P> <P> The main theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the building housing the College of Music in UP Diliman (Abelardo Hall) were named in his honor and memory . </P>

Characteristics of the musical style of nicanor abelardo