Throughout his life, Bach also sought out other renowned musicians and teachers to further his musical education. Some of the notable individuals who influenced Bach's musical development include:
- Georg Böhm: Bach studied with Böhm, a renowned organist and composer from Lüneburg, during his teenage years. Böhm taught Bach about Baroque counterpoint and the art of improvisation.
- Dietrich Buxtehude: Bach undertook a 250-mile journey on foot to Lübeck in northern Germany to study with Buxtehude, who was a famous organist and composer. Bach was profoundly influenced by Buxtehude's organ playing and his compositions, which featured elaborate ornamentation and complex harmonies.
- Johann Pachelbel: Bach likely encountered Pachelbel, a prominent German composer and organist, during his time in Nuremberg. Pachelbel's influence can be seen in Bach's early works, particularly in his mastery of counterpoint and the use of fugues.
Additionally, Bach studied the music of other great composers of his time and earlier periods, such as Italian masters like Corelli and Vivaldi. Through careful analysis and emulation of their works, Bach expanded his knowledge and enriched his own compositional style.
Overall, Bach's musical education was shaped by a combination of formal instruction from notable musicians and his own diligent study and exploration of the music of his contemporaries and predecessors.